An unpaid carer is a family member, friend or neighbour who looks after someone who, due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction, or disability, cannot manage on their own.

This also includes children and young people with caring responsibilities.

We appreciate that families, friends, and neighbours have an important role in meeting the care needs of many patients, both before they are admitted to hospital and after they have been discharged.

We want to promote the health and independence of unpaid carers, by involving them during a patient's stay in hospital, and in planning their discharge.

If you're visiting hospital, please speak up and let one of the nursing staff know that you are an unpaid carer, and we will do all we can to support you and the person you care for.

If you are an unpaid carer and are admitted to hospital yourself, it is important that you make hospital staff aware of your caring responsibilities so that you can get support while you are in hospital and once you are discharged home.

Carers Charter

Co-produced with staff, carers and external partners our carers charter supports our ongoing work to improve services for unpaid carers.

The charter is visible across our Trust and with partner organisations and local communities, providing a clear outline of our pledge and key areas of focus in working to ensure positive carer experience.

The charter is used to form the foundations of our continuing work plan, monitoring of achievements, and is a reminder to all staff, patients, and carers of our agreed direction of travel.

Carers Support Passport

Ask any member of our nursing staff about our Carers Passport if you are with us supporting your cared for person whilst in hospital.

The passport provides access to a range of benefits including concessions on parking, beverages and food.

We are keen to work with you as partners in care and will support you in doing this, including staying overnight if you wish.

Information Hub at Cherwell

Our Information Hub has a variety of information, advice and support available to you, with a focus on unpaid carers, discharge, learning disability and dementia.

Ground Floor of the Brunel Treatment Centre (BTC)
Great Western Hospital
Swindon
SN3 6BB

Lasting power of attorney

If you have a lasting power of attorney for health, for your cared for person, you can provide a certified copy to our health records team by post or email.

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