For most caregivers, doctor and hospital appointments are quite a regular occurrence due to the nature of their caring roles. Local NHS Trusts recognise the vital role caregivers have in helping their patients throughout the entire appointment process.
Support for caregivers in local hospitals
As part of this recognition, caregivers are entitled to additional benefits when visiting local hospitals. Below is a list of hospitals who actively support caregivers and what that support currently looks like.
QE Hospital Gateshead
The hospital offers a Carer’s Passport scheme that offers a range of benefits and discounts to help reduce the pressures of your caring role in the QE Hospital. These benefits current include;
- Free Car Parking for the main carer of the patient.
- Flexible visiting times allowing you to visit the person you care for outside of visiting hours.
- 20% discount at the restaurants and cafés in the QE Hospital
To get a Carer’s Passport, you must first meet the QE Hospital’s eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, you will need to speak to the Ward Manager or nurse in charge. You can also find out more about the Carer’s Passport by contacting the Patient Experience Team.
The QE Hospital is also forming a Carers Forum to help improve outcomes for patients and caregivers who often use the hospital’s services. To get involved, contact the Patient Experience Team.
Visit QE Hospital’s website for more information.
Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) & Freeman Hospital
The RVI and Freeman Hospital provides flexible visiting times for carers to be there for the person they care for while they are in hospital.
All hospitals, including the RVI and Freeman, within the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have developed a set of commitments and interventions to improve the experience of caregivers. These focus on better communication, flexible support, and recognition of the vital role caregivers play. These commitments include;
- Tailored caregiver support including age appropriate resources and opportunities as well as the recognition of young carers.
- Input into care plans as all caregivers are included in the decision-making and care planning, especially for the admissions and discharge arrangements.
Visit the Newcastle Hospital’s website for more information
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals
This group of hospitals has developed the Carer Promise, an initiative that pledges to support the needs of caregivers. As part of this Promise, these hospitals will;
- Offer you a Carer Card, which will enable hospital staff to recognise you in your role a as carer and provides 50% discount in Trust cafés.
- Ask you how you want to be involved in the are of the person you care for and what practical measures can be put in place to support this.
- Give you the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are experiencing in your caring role.
Visit the CNTW website for more information.
Register as a caregiver with your GP
We recommend registering as a carer with your GP as they can provide you with really useful support, advice and information. In fact, all caregivers have a legal right to register as a caregiver with their GP. For example, you may be able to your flexible appointment times, possible home visits and flu vaccinations.
Ways GP’s can support Caregivers
We have worked with our Young and Adult Carer Expert Panels to co-produce a series of tips. These provide insight into what they believe would help caregivers across Gateshead feel valued by local health services, including GP practices. Examples include “If you don’t understand about caregivers and our roles – ask us” and “Try to give us a bit of extra time during the appointment so we don’t feel rushed.“