Do you support someone in their own home, enabling them to continue to live there? This means that you are a carer. You may do things like:
- helping someone to wash, dress and eat
- taking them to appointments
- doing their shopping or keeping them company
If you have any questions about the care and treatment of the patient you are caring for please speak with the nurse-in-charge or the ward/department manager as they can help you.
Every ward has a Matron who plays a vital role in ensuring that nursing care and ward services are delivered with compassion and excellence. You can message a ward Matron directly through our Message to Matron service by clicking this link.
You can also contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) with any questions or concerns.
While the person you care for is in hospital we aim to:
- Welcome you to the hospital outside of normal visiting hours
- Recognise your role and expertise
- Listen to you and take what you say seriously
- Keep you informed about what is happening
- Involve you in decisions and care (with the patient’s permission)
- Support the patient while you take a break
- Talk to you about support that is available in hospital and in the community
During the time the person you care for is in hospital, you may be eligible for a Carers Card. The card offers free parking and open visiting (at the ward manager's discretion).
When you arrive on the ward, let the nurse-in-charge or Ward Manager know you are a carer for a patient. If you wish to continue to provide care whilst your loved one is in hospital, you are entitled to a carer’s card which provides you with open visiting and free car parking.
We understand how important it is for families to stay connected and informed when a loved one is in hospital. Please agree on one main family contact who will keep in touch with the patient and share updates with the rest of the family. This will help us keep telephone lines free, so all families can get through when they need to.
Letters for loved ones is a way for loved ones to send messages, letters and photographs to their family members or friends in the hospital.
Email your letters, messages and photographs to loveletters
If you need further help or advice, there are a number of organisations you can contact.
We’re proud to support John’s Campaign, which is a national campaign supporting the rights of carers to stay with their loved ones in hospital, it is for patients with dementia or similar conditions that may make them vulnerable or at risk of decline without their carer being present. This can be to support with personal care, nutritional intake and for comfort. It promotes and welcomes partnership working with carers and families in care planning and delivery.
If you are the main carer of a loved one that is in hospital with us, you are entitled to:
- Open visiting- at ward manager discretion
- Free parking
In order to access the above benefits main Carers are invited to apply for a Carer's Card. Please speak to the Ward Manager or the Admiral Nurse team for more information.