Carers charter
Promoting a culture of supporting and working in
partnership with carers within our hospitals
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals
Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) value the vital work
done by those with unpaid caring responsibilities (referred to as
'carers' within this charter) and are committed to working together
with them as expert partners in care.
A carer is someone who provides care
for someone else who, due to illness, mental health problems,
substance misuse, physical and learning disability, old age or
frailty, is unable to care for themselves without their support.
This charter includes young carers and parent carers.
Carers as equal partners
We will ensure that the role you have, as a carer, is
valued by all staff and will make sure that we respect, listen to
and understand carers and what they do. We will identify carers as
early as possible.
Supporting carers
We will inform you as a carer of your right to an
assessment under the Care Act 2014 and the Children & Families Act 2014,
providing information about the range of support and advice
services available to you as a carer. We recognise the importance
of your needs being met and will support you to have breaks away
from the ward when you need them.
Young carers
We will ensure that we involve young carers and will work
to support you and recognise the valuable role you play in the
health of our patients.
Sharing information
With the relevant consent obtained, we will provide
information that is timely, appropriate and accessible. We will
involve you in decision making, with the patient wherever possible,
whilst respecting the need for confidentiality.
Having a voice
We will ensure that you have an easily accessible means of
giving feedback, that this is responded to and that you are
involved in the planning and development of our
services.
Discharge planning
We will begin discharge planning as soon after admission
as possible. We will help you understand the processes, including
you in all discussions, respecting your detailed knowledge of what
happens outside the hospital. With the relevant consent obtained,
we will include you in all discussions on all aspects of care and
medication.
November 2020
