11/06/2010

In Gloucestershire there are around 56,000 carers, 9,400 of which provide regular, substantial care in excess of 50 hours per week.

During Carers Week we aim to highlight and celebrate the incredible contribution that carers make.

The Trust has committed to the involvement of patients and carers in the delivery of care and treatments and in the planning and delivery of quality health services.

Staff at the Trust are working to support carers in their caring role when the person they care for comes into hospital, not only when they become patients themselves but also when they become an employee.

The Trust has been involved in developing a Carer’s Strategy for Gloucestershire alongside partner organisations Gloucestershire County Council, NHS Gloucestershire and 2gether Partnership Trust.

This month the Board formally signed up to the strategy and a clear action plan to further develop the work of supporting carers.

The key areas of the strategy included recognition of carers and ensuring they have a voice, access to information, their health and wellbeing, financial security and preparing for emergencies.

Throughout Carers Week the Trust will be promoting many aspects of support provided to carers which will include the Gloucestershire Carers Emergency Scheme. This is a service which is provided free of charge by Gloucestershire County Council. The Scheme will ensure that if a carer is suddenly taken ill or called away to an emergency elsewhere, the person they care for will not be left without help and support.

Head of Patient and Public Involvement Gill Brook:

"Respecting and supporting carers in all aspects of their lives; as carers, when they become patients and as employees; is an essential part of our work. We are committed to getting it right for carers in partnership with the people they care for and other organisations across Gloucestershire”.