Support for unpaid carers in hospital
When someone you care for is admitted to hospital, you may have an important role in supporting them. As an unpaid carer, you should be recognised, listened to and involved in decisions about the person you care for, where appropriate.
Our Dorset Hospital Carer Passport
Dorset County Hospital, Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust have come together, with the support of local carers and carer professionals, to create the ‘Our Dorset’ Hospital Carer Passport.
The Carer Passport aims to help unpaid carers be recognised and supported when the person they care for is in hospital.
The passport helps hospital staff identify carers and understand their role, so they can welcome, involve and support carers throughout the hospital stay. It can also help staff better understand the needs, routines and preferences of the person being cared for.
What support can the Carer Passport provide?
The Carer Passport scheme may include:
- Flexibility with visiting times where appropriate
- Being included in the care of the person you support
- Support to assist with mealtimes, where appropriate
- Involvement in discussions and planning for discharge
- Access to information about the person’s care, where the relevant consent has been given
You have a right, but not a duty, to continue caring while the person you support is in hospital. You should not feel pressured to take on caring responsibilities during their hospital stay.
Every hospital may offer different support
The support available through the Hospital Carer Passport may differ between hospitals and depending on the individual circumstances of the person you care for.
If you are an unpaid carer and the person you support is admitted to hospital, let staff know that you are their carer and ask about the Hospital Carer Passport and what support is available to you.
