By Isle of Wight Observer
Bob Seely, the Island’s MP has visited the Carers Lounge at St Mary’s Hospital to see the good work they are doing supporting unpaid carers whilst the person they are looking after is in hospital.
Carers IW is an Island based charity who has been supporting unpaid adult carers in the community for 30 years. It was recognised that there was a need to offer unpaid carers support when the person they care for was in hospital. The Carers Lounge and GP Link worker has been funded by the Living Well Project.
Carers are often unprepared for caring following discharge from hospital or visits to A&E, not sure what caring responsibilities involve and not sure where to go to next. This places the carer under a great deal of stress and admission or readmission to hospital for the person they are caring for is very likely.
The Carers Lounge help support carers in the transfer of care between hospital and home, enabling them to understand and express choice, and to participate in the planning & discharge planning.
The project also employs a GP Link worker whose job is to raise the profile and awareness of patient/carer issues with GP practices across the Island to support improved outcomes for carers and patients.
The Carers’ Lounge offers a space in which unpaid carers can relax, unwind and get emotional support. Our staff can help with discharge planning by attending meetings. Offer advice on practical help, a listening ear and a cup of tea. The Carers’ Lounge supports all unpaid adult carers of adults, whether they are a relative, friend or neighbour.
The Carers’ Lounge has been successfully providing help to carers for the past year and asked the local MP, Bob Seely to join them in celebrating the success of this pioneering service.
If you are an unpaid carer and the person you are looking after comes into hospital, please do follow the yellow signs to the Carer’s Lounge at the entrance of Appley and Colwell Ward or ring us on 822099 ext 2568.
