Support for UHSX service users

Carers Passport

Hospitals across the trust have implemented a Carers Passport scheme for unpaid family/ friend carers accessing secondary care services. Carer’s Passports are designed to identify and support the carers of patients by enabling them, if they so wish, to be involved in their loved one’s care whilst in hospital and granting the carer access to supportive benefits such as flexible visiting hours. Please note that the specific benefits vary between hospitals, so we recommend checking with your local hospital for full details of their scheme. Carers Passports are available on hospital wards and can be requested from the nurse in charge.

John’s Campaign

UHSX is a supporter of John’s campaign, a scheme recognising that people living with dementia have the right to be supported by their loved-ones during hospital stays. The campaign also champions the rights of unpaid carers to continue providing practical, hands-on care—such as assisting with meals—if they choose to do so. John’s Campaign is designed to respect the wishes of the patient and values their informal carers as ‘experts by experience’.  Enabling familiar, trusted individuals to stay involved can provide reassurance and promote better health outcomes for those living with dementia.

At the same time, the campaign recognises that a hospital admission may offer carers a much-needed opportunity to rest—perhaps for the first time in years. While their involvement is welcomed, it is equally important that carers never feel obligated or pressured to provide care during this time.

For more information, please see Johnscampaign.org

PALS

The Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) is available to help patients and relatives/ carers to be better informed about hospital services and can help facilitate communication with wards should this be proving difficult or you have concerns you would like addressed on your behalf. PALS are also able to pass on positive feedback or can advise you on how to make a complaint. For more information, please see About PALS?