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Support for carers
Carers are important to us here at West Herts. A carer is anyone, including children and adults who look after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support, this is inclusive of both adult and young carers.
Please talk to the hospital staff if you have any questions or anxieties regarding you as a carer or the person you are caring for. You can find contact details for our Caring for Carers service further down on this page.
Carers may not always perceive themselves as carers and may just consider themselves as partners, relatives or friends. Staff are expected to help carers recognise the extent of their involvement and commitment so that their needs as carers can be assessed and supported.
Are you a carer?
Carers may not always
perceive themselves as carers and may just consider themselves as partners,
relatives or friends. Staff are expected to help carers recognise the extent of
their involvement and commitment so that their needs as carers can be assessed
and supported.
Do you provide help and (unpaid) support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help? The person you care for may have a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problem, may misuse drugs or alcohol or may be ill or frail. The person may live with you or elsewhere, may be an adult or a child but if they rely on you for support, then you are a carer
Tell us you are a carer and ask what we can do to support you
Identifying carers as soon as
possible in an episode of care so that their role in supporting patient can be
acknowledged from the outset and their needs addressed within the plan of care
The trust recognises that carers have a unique expertise and skill in understanding the needs of the person in their care and staff are encouraged to listen to and respect carer’s views, so tell us about the person you care about.
We recognise that carers themselves may be admitted as patients will require advice and support their expected recovery to make plans for your cared for.
What carers can expect from us
- To be respected as partners in care
- Provided with information e.g. carers information leaflet ( being developed)
- How to get support from voluntary services or how to access a carers assessment
- Information about the person you care for, what to expect whilst they are in hospital, the expected discharge plan and likely continuing care needs
- Being given time to discuss and exercise choice within your role as a carers whilst the person you care for is in hospital. Ask about our carers agreement (being developed)
- Trust carers' policy (being developed)
What we can provide for you
- Reduced car parking fees
- You may be entitled to staff discounted on food and beverages – as a member of staff to contact the carers lead
- Discount retail deals across Hertfordshire – require a carers passport
Contact us
You can contact our Caring for Carers service for confidential help and advice regarding all aspects of caring for someone.
Email westherts.caringforcarers@nhs.net or call 07977 069888 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm)Andrea Hone – Patient and carer experience nurse/carers lead
Maria Panteli – Carer coordinator
Services and support
- Carers in Hertfordshire gives support and information to unpaid family and friends who look after someone. They can also help you access funded breaks. Their carer support advisors are also available to help you find out about more specific services to support you in your caring role. 01992 586969
- HertsHelp is a free and confidential information service, providing a single route into the wide range of support offered by organisations across the county. The aim is to get callers to get the help they need as quickly and simply as possible. 0300 123 4044
- Carers UK connect carers so no-one has to care alone. It can be bewildering if you don't know where to turn for help and support. Through their carers' groups and volunteers, Carers UK reach out in local communities throughout the UK and online.
- Age UK Hertfordshire - 01707 323272
- Hertfordshire County Council - 0300 123 4042
- Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) - 01923 217198 email: westherts.pals@nhs.net
