Carers
Sherwood Forest Hospitals is proud to have been awarded the Employer Carer Friendly accreditation by the Nottinghamshire Carers Association for the third year in a row.
Looking after the care of our patients, visitors and colleagues’ health and wellbeing is paramount to us. Being a carer to our loved one is so rewarding and valuable, and holding the information specific to them, their health, their needs and ways of supporting them is key to effective, collaborative care.
Having the Carers Friendly accreditation means that we are supportive of our colleagues, to support their caring needs whilst still being at work. Support includes HR policies, the staff carers passport, our wellbeing team, supportive managers and a colleague support network.
For patients
Having your loved one who you care for in Hospital can be overwhelming and worrying. Some carers are real experts. If you are providing a lot of care, you are also very likely to know a lot about their condition and how the person you are caring for likes to be cared for. We want you to know there is support for you as their carer during their stay to support them.
If you are supporting someone, then we will arrange for you to have a Carer Passport. This has several benefits which will help you as a carer.
Carer Passport
- Visit out of normal visiting hours.
- Regular drinks whilst on the ward.
- Provide assistance with personal care, meals and drinks.
- Be actively involved in the meetings about the person.
- Be involved in discussion and planning for the discharge of the person you are caring for.
- Provide support to the person you care for when they are having tests in the hospital.
During their stay in the hospital, your Carer Passport will also give you the following:
- Free car parking. Visit out of normal visiting hours.
- Regular drinks whilst on the ward
- An opportunity to share mealtimes with the person you are caring for.
- Comfort packs for unexpected stays.
- Occasionally being able to stay overnight.
- Discounts when buying food at the hospital restaurant Spice of Life.
Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers
Nottinghamshire ICS has invested in the Digital Resource for Carers. This resource brings together a number of products and online resources to provide comprehensive information to carers, to promote self-care, and direct carers to relevant local services and support.
To access the Digital Resource for Carers, create an account using the access code DNHS9317.
Benefits and carers assessment information
For full details of individual entitlement or changes due to hospital admission visit the GOV.UK website.
Below are a few links that take you to relevant parts of the NHS UK website for information about benefits and assessments:
Emergency carer card
An emergency card for carers identifies you as a carer in the event of an emergency.
Carers can apply for an emergency carer card that can provide peace of mind that contingency plans are accessible to all should any unplanned emergency occur to you as the carer. Apply for an emergency card for carers on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.
Young carers
Young carers are children between the ages of five and 18 years who help to look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled, has mental health problems, or is misusing drugs or alcohol.
Young carers, or people supporting a young carer, can contact the Early Help Unit for advice by emailing early.help@nottscc.gov.uk, or request a Young Carers Assessment by emailing enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk or calling Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 80 80.
All carers are encouraged to register as a carer with their local GP.
Useful information is available on the Nottinghamshire County Council website or Nottinghamshire Carers Association.
