At the Trust, we recognise the value and importance of carers and want to support carers when a patient is admitted into hospital. The Carer Passport is a way of identifying a carer and provides an opportunity for the hospital to outline their offer of support. The Carer Passport enables a conversation to take place between ward staff and the carer about how the carer may wish to continue providing assistance such as helping at mealtimes or with personal care. There is never an obligation to do this as for some carers a hospital admission may provide some time to take a breath and recharge the batteries but for some continuing to provide care is what they want to do. Importantly, identifying the carer means that where appropriate the carer can be involved in discussions about the patient/cared for person’s treatment and care plan providing valuable information to the hospital team.
The Carer Passport has been developed with 13 Trusts across the Region, Carer organisations, carers and patients.
Speak to the Ward Manager where your relative is cared for to discuss how the Passport can best support you.