At South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we recognise and value the role carers have in the health, comfort and wellbeing of our patients.
The trust defines a carer as a person of any age who provides help and support to a parent, child, partner, relative or close friend because of their illness, frailty or disability. The care they provide is unpaid.
Open access and visiting
Where possible, our staff facilitate open access and unrestricted visiting to enable carers to maintain and contribute to the care of their relative or friend when they are in hospital.
We also try to allow carers to accompany their loved ones at tests or investigations, staying overnight with relatives where possible.
Car parking
If your loved one is going to require long periods in hospital or numerous outpatient appointments, we can also offer reduced rates on car parking at James Cook and the Friarage.
Partnerships of care
Our nursing staff should talk with carers about their role when their loved one is admitted to hospital or when they come into contact with any of our services. They will establish what contribution carers normally have and what they would like to be involved with whilst the person they care for is in hospital. This will be documented in nursing records.
Our staff can then communicate effectively and share relevant, timely information with carers about current treatment plans, discharge plans and any other information which relates to the ongoing care and safety of the person they care for.
Appointment letters can be copied to carers if requested. Confidential information can only be shared if consent is given by the patient or the carer has a legal right or duty to act on behalf of the patient with regards to their healthcare.
If you have been involved in a best interest decision about treatments and ongoing care as a next of kin, you will be included in all key discussions and correspondence.
Carer wellbeing
We understand carers sometimes need a break. We appreciate your help, but please tell us if you need to rest. We offer a carers’ information card with a map including key information such as restaurants, cafes and parking pay points within the hospital.
Trinity Holistic Centre on the James Cook site also welcomes carers to its quiet space, providing complimentary therapies – or just a chat and a cup of tea or coffee.
Additionally, the chapels on both the Friarage and James Cook sites offer quiet spaces.
There are a number of coffee shops and other facilities within The James Cook University Hospital, Friarage Hospital and Redcar Primary Care Hospital for your convenience.
Laundry for patients’ clothes can also be taken care of by our housekeeping staff. Just ask a member of the nursing team or a housekeeper if you require help.
For hotel, dining out, entertainment and other services close to James Cook, you may want to check out the Love Middlesbrough website.
Carer’s Passport
If you are an unpaid carer for a patient at one of our hospitals, a Carer’s Passport has a number of benefits which help you.
John’s Campaign
The trust supports John’s Campaign, a national initiative that aims to give families and carers of people with dementia the right to stay with them in hospital, unrestricted by visiting hours.
Carers’ rights and support services
By law, carers are entitled to a carers’ assessment by their local authority. This should help carers understand what financial and emotional support is available and also offer details around community-based support groups offering extra help and support.
Additionally, charities and organisations outside of the hospital may be able to help and support you and your family.
Carers Together
Carers Together Foundation is an organisation dedicated to improving carers’ quality of life.
It can be a worrying time when the person you look after is in hospital. You may be concerned about how you will look after them when they return home.
The carers information and support service in hospitals is on hand to support you before, during and after a patient’s discharge from hospital, to ensure that you can take on, or continue, your caring role.
The service can help with any issues carers may face, including finances, health problems, housing, training, employment, taking a break from caring or concerns about the person they care for.
Contact Carers Together for more information:
- Tel: 01642 488977 or 07483 906934
- Email us: [email protected]
- Visit our website: www.carerstogether.co.uk
- Funding for carers leaflet