Caring for carers

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The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) and the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) recognise the vital support that carers provide and outline in this passport what is available to carers attending one of our hospitals.

Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures, and can be any age. You may be a wife, husband, parent, partner, friend, uncle, niece, colleague, or neighbour. No matter what your relationship, if the person you care for cannot manage without your support, then you are a carer.

Carers Leaflet

The Trust’s carers information leaflet is packed with information to support carers.

When the person you care for is in hospital

We recognise the impact that caring responsibilities have on carers and that there is a need to support and help people in their caring role. Periods of inpatient care can be an additional burden for carers. The uncertain situation may increase anxiety and stress levels whilst the emotional and physical strain of hospital visits may lead to greater exhaustion. Having access to information about diagnosis and treatment can help to alleviate concerns as a carer. Please ask staff on the ward for help and access to the healthcare professionals who are caring for the person you care for.

We provide support to carers. We encourage you to speak to the ward staff about how we can work in partnership to ensure the person you care for receives the best treatment whilst an inpatient with us.

Integrated Admiral Nurse Service

Admiral Nurse will support carers and families of a person with dementia when they are admitted to Royal Cornwall Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital or West Cornwall Hospital. Please see the safeguarding page for further information.

Carer’s Passport

The Carer’s Passport is given to identified carers of inpatients of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) and the Cornwall Foundation Trust (CFT) for use during their cared for person’s time as an inpatient. The Carer’s Passport shows what support the carer is able or willing to give the cared for person during their hospital admission.

RCHT and CFT recognise the vital support that carers provide and holders of a Carer’s Passport will be entitled to regular liquid refreshment, flexible visiting hours, and where applicable, free car parking and a meal / drink voucher to be used in the main hospital restaurant or pod may be provided.

The Carer’s Passport is given to carers who are contributing to the care of their cared for person on the ward, at the discretion of the ward and is valid for the current episode of inpatient care. The Carer’s Passport is intended to be used in conjunction with the peninsular recognised Carer’s Emergency Card to access carer support such as meal vouchers and free parking. Please see page 9 for more information about the Carer’s Emergency Card. Newly identified carers will be issued with a Temporary Carer’s Card.

Carer’s Policy

The Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust Carer’s policy recognises that carers play an important role in the continuing care of many of its patients following discharge, effectively picking up patients’ health and other care needs in the community. By implementing best practice, the Trust wishes to promote the health and independence of carers. The Trust commitment to carers is highlighted in the Carer’s Policy.

The Carer’s Care Plan

RCHT have designed a care plan specifically for carers to help support any identify needs that they may have. This document facilitates discussion and provides the evidence of partnership working and the holistic approach to care of our patients.

To gain access to this document, please ask a member of staff about ‘CHA3807: Carer’s Care Plan’, as it is only available on the internal network currently.

Carer’s Corner

Carers Corner is held every Tuesday 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Trelawny Café at Royal Cornwall Hospital and on the first Wednesday of every month at West Cornwall Hospital 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Also at St Austell Hospital- reception area, every last Friday of the month 1pm – 3 pm, Bodmin Hospital – reception area, every last Thursday of the month 1pm – 3pm, West Cornwall Hospital – reception area, every first Wednesday of the month 1pm – 3pm, Probus Church Hall – every second Monday of the month 10am – 12pm.

Carers Corner provides in person support, information and signposting for unpaid carers.  It is a collaboration between RCHT, Integrated Admiral Nurse Service, Cornwall Carers Service, Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and Memory Café Cornwall.  

For further information contact the Patient Engagement Team on rcht.caringforcarers@nhs.net or on telephone 01872 252793 (Mon – Fri 10:00 am to 4:00pm).

Car parking

Free parking can be arranged for you at Royal Cornwall Hospital , West Cornwall Hospital and St Michaels Hospital at the discretion of the ward. They can provide a parking slip which, along with your Carers Emergency Card, can be shown at the car park lodge in the car park.

The car park team will then direct you to where you may park for free – please ensue the ‘Free Car Parking For Carers’ slip is clearly displayed in your car. Car parking is free for all patients at our community hospitals on a first come first served basis 

Meal and Drink vouchers

Free meals and drinks can also be provided to you as a carer at Royal Cornwall Hospital, West Cornwall Hospital and St Michaels Hospital at the discretion of the ward. They can provide a meal/drinks voucher to you which, along with your Carer’s Emergency Card, can be shown at the main hospital restaurant.