13th June 2011

 

Gloucestershire Hospitals is supporting this years Carers Week (13-19 June).

 

During Carers Week, we aim to highlight the incredible contribution that carers make and to support the Carers Week campaign The True Face of Carers. We are also launching our new Carers Policy, which has been developed in conjunction with carers’ representatives from across the county.

 

Gill Brook, Head of Patient Experience said: “Carers have a vital role in contributing to planning and delivery of care and treatment for many patients who attend our Trust.

 

“We have a responsibly to work in partnership with them, with agreement from the patient wherever possible, and to support them in this role. They can make a real difference.”

 

The new Carers Policy introduces action cards for both carers and senior staff which detail individual’s responsibilities to give a clear guide to the expectations of both parties. The policy also sets out for staff their roles and responsibility in working with and supporting carers attending the trust with those they care for; as patients themselves and also as employees..

 

Carers Week highlights the vital contribution made by carers to their families and communities in providing unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. It calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people who give up their time, money and health to look after somebody else.

 

There are around 56,000 carers in Gloucestershire, 9400 of whom provide regular, substantial care in excess of 50 hours per week.

 

Gill Brook: “We are committed to listening to carers, responding to their needs and recognising that they are often the expert in the treatment of the person they care for.

 

“Identifying people in the caring role early on is vital – so please tell us if you are caring for someone so that we can work with you and the person you care for to get the best course of care and treatment.

 

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