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 health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors and colleagues is paramount to us. 

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.

 

Patients and their carers

Being a carer to our loved ones is so rewarding and valuable. Holding the information about them, their health, their needs and ways of supporting them is vital for maintain their health wellbeing.

Having your loved one who you care for in hospital can be overwhelming and worrying. We want you to know there is support for you as their carer during their stay and for appointments.

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.

Carer Passport

The Carer Passport aims to involve carers, who care for the patient outside of a hospital setting on a daily basis, in the patients care as soon as they are admitted to hospital.
Carers include those who provide care and support to someone who is ill, older or disabled and need support day-to-day.
The Carer Passport will allow carers to:
  • Visit out of normal visiting hours.
  • 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 they are caring for.
  • Provide support to the person they care for when they are having tests in the hospital.
  • Have access to free car parking.
  • Have access to regular drinks whilst on the ward.
  • Have discounts when buying food at the hospital restaurant Spice of Life.
  • Occasionally being able to stay overnight.
  • Comfort packs for unexpected stays.
Please discuss the Carer Passport with the Ward Leader or Matron that your friend or family member is on and they will help you fill out the passport. 

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.

 

Carer-friendly accreditation logo 2025-26