Carers Passport, supporting carers
One of our Engagement Team visited a local carer’s group to explain to them about our services and during a group conversation it became apparent that some of the group did not know about the availability of the Carers Passport. The Carers Passport gives carers support to enable them to get involved in all aspects of their loved ones’ treatment and care within the hospitals which are part of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT), including Sunderland Royal Hospital. Our Engagement Officer determined that attendees at the group would be eligible for this when supporting their loved ones as an outpatient, or an inpatient at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
She was later able to highlight this with a member of the staff team at the venue and they then brought this up at a team meeting, where it was agreed that all carers using their service, who didn’t already have a Carers Passport, would be supported to apply for one.
What difference has this made?
All carers at this service are now aware of the Carers Passport and are now able to access the credit card-sized passport, which is worn on a lanyard, identifies them as carers to staff and enables them to:
- visit outside the hospital’s normal hours, including overnight, with the agreement of the ward manager
- help the patient with eating and drinking
- be actively involved in the patient’s care and planning for discharge
To accompany their passport ‘badge’, carers are given a special folder in which to keep useful leaflets with information relevant to the patient’s care and a guide to the various support and advice organisations available in South Tyneside and Sunderland, as well as nationally. Also included is a ‘This is me’ document containing details such as the patient’s likes and dislikes and the name by which they like to be called. This can be shown to staff to help them to respond to patients’ individual needs and provide more personalised care.
By having a Carer’s Passport, individuals now have the reassurance that they can be actively involved in their loved one’s care and treatment, be listened to by healthcare professions and their opinions and concerns be acted upon appropriately, during the care and upon discharge from hospital.
If you would like one of our Engagement Team to come along to speak to your group, please contact us.
