Valuing carers within a hospital environment
If you or the person you are caring for is going into hospital, is already in hospital, or attending out patients appointments, you may find this a very worrying and stressful time. You may need help, support and back-up, and may not always know where to turn.
You may find it useful to think about:
- Have you been told what you need to know about their health problem and medication?
- Do you know how to look after them when they leave hospital?
- Do you know who to contact if you need more help?
- Have you been involved in any discussions about their care whilst they are in hospital and about what will happen when they leave hospital?
- Have you been given a choice in whether or not you are able to provide support and care?
- How you can access an assessment of your needs as a carer.
- Has anyone talked to you about services and regular breaks from caring so you have time for yourself?
The Carers Hospital Support Worker works in partnership with the NHS Foundation Trust in developing initiatives specifically for carers, including:
If no-one has talked to you about these things and you would like more information, you can pick up a self referral card from the hospital ward or download a referral card and post it to the Carers Support Team.
