By Isle of Wight Observer
Carers Isle of Wight has teamed up with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust to launch The Carers’ Passport scheme, to support unpaid carers to be recognised for the important role they play.
The new scheme is designed to provide a range of useful benefits to unpaid carers, ensuring they are supported in their role. It will also provide access to a range of discounts to make life a little easier.
The trust’s head of patient experience, Vanessa Flower, said: “Carers play a vital role in supporting our teams to provide continuity of care and support for people, particularly when they may need to be admitted to hospital.”
The passport will also help carers, when visiting St Mary’s Hospital, to visit the people they care for outside of visiting hours and enable them to help with feeding and, with the patient’s consent, be involved in meetings and included in discussions about discharge planning.
Manager of Carers Isle of Wight, Elizabeth Martin, said: “This is great news for carers. Our carers told us that having the passport makes it easier for them as a carer when they need to talk to health and social care professionals.”
A temporary passport can be issued by the team based in the Carers’ Lounge, located at North Hospital, the ward or at main reception. The Carers IW community team will also be holding a drop-in session every Thursday morning at the Riverside Centre in Newport, between 10.30am and midday where carers can apply for a passport.
More information can be provided by contacting Carers Isle of Wight on 533173 or at carersiw.org.uk.
