A new Heath and Care Bill is planning to make the healthcare system less bureaucratic, more accountable and more integrated – and for the first time allow Carers’ to be fully included in all patient and public consultations.
The move will give a voice to the 56,400 people in Cumbria providing unpaid caring for a loved one.
The new bill, introduced on 6 July, would amend the National Health Service Act 206 so public involvement does not just include those who use NHS services, but also their Carers’ and representatives.
Dani Leslie, Eden Carers’ CEO said: “We see this as a positive change that will ensure Carers’ are properly included in all patient and public involvement and consultation.
“The Bill promotes promote both patients’ and Carers’ involvement in decisions about prevention of illness and treatment. And, a further clause promotes patients’ and Carers’ ’involvement in the commissioning of services within integrated care systems.”
The Bill also updates the official hospital discharge guidance, which makes clear that the Carer of a person being discharged from hospital must be consulted for their views, including that they are willing and able to care when that person is discharged.
It states that a Carer’s assessment should be undertaken before caring responsibilities begin if this is a new caring duty or if there are increased care needs.
Mike Seaton, CEO of Carers’ Support South Cumbria said: “We welcome these proposals that directly include Carers’ in public consultations, decisions about prevention and treatment of illness and commissioning of health services.
“This bill recognises the crucial role Carers’ play 24/7 in supporting their relatives’ and friends’ health, and gives Carers’ more visibility which they need within health legislation.”
Craig Backhouse CEO of Furness Carers’ added: “The hospital discharge guidance updates is so important to Carers’. Hospital discharge can sometimes be stressful and challenging for Carers’, so it is vital that they are supported not only during the process itself but in the weeks and months after it too.”
The Health and Care Bill has been introduced improve how health and care services work together following the pandemic.
Sue Whitehead, CEO of West Cumbria Carers’ added: “The pandemic has put huge pressure on families, the majority of whom have taken on even more care, supporting our health and social care systems through the crisis.
“This Bill is a once in a decade opportunity for the Government to formally recognise the vital role played by Carers’ supporting their relatives’ health, and ensure they aren’t overlooked but are visible and valued.”
Your local Carers’ Organisation is here to provide the support and services to help all unpaid Carers’ in Cumbria.
If you are an unpaid Carers’ your local Carer’s organisation can provide you with information and support. You can contact them by emailing or calling their office:
Carers’ Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
Carlisle Carers’ Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
Eden Carers’ Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
Furness Carers’ Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
West Cumbria Carers’ Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
