This week is Carers Week and it is important that we all take time to reflect on the important role that carers play both in the lives of those they care for. The contribution that carers make to the mental and physical well being of some of the most vulnerable individuals within society cannot be underestimated and often goes untold.
When those that are cared for come into one of our hospitals it is vital their carers are enabled to continue that caring role. As Nurses and Midwives working for the Acute Trust it vital we acknowledge and facilitate the continued involvement of carers whether they be formal or informal carers. Please let us know what we can do to help you.
We do have a number of initiatives to help make the above happen. We have a Carers Charter which gives details our commitment to Carers and how you can access further help from our Carer Development Officers. We have now moved to more open and flexible visiting hours across all our hospitals to enable the continued involvement of carers wherever possible. Care from carers comes in many forms such as assisting with communication with health care professionals, helping individuals to eat and drink, making sure individuals get what they want to eat or drink, helping with other daily activities of living, providing a comforting presence during investigations and tests , reading the daily newspaper, helping to do a crossword and many many more.
If you are a carer caring for an individual coming into hospital you are welcome you to contact the ward or department to which the person you care for is being admitted or one of our Carer Development Officers, at any time so that we can ensure you are supported in being involved in care. If you have any advice or comments during or after your time in hospital as a carer, your feedback to me would be invaluable in helping us to improve our services and achieve our commitment to carers.
Best Wishes
Helen
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