The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is delighted to be launching the Carer’s Passport, a tool which supports carers who are visiting and caring for patients staying in hospital.

The passport is being launched during Carers Week, which is running from 11th-17th June 2018 and will be available on all adult inpatient wards with the issuing of the passport at the discretion of the nurse in charge. It offers some concessions as a small gesture of thanks and appreciation, which include discounted meals in the main restaurant and the coffee shops in the West and East Outpatient areas as well as free parking.

The Carer’s Passport is for unpaid carers of any age who are willing to provide aspects of care while a patient is in hospital. Aspects of care could include emotional and psychological support to maintain health and wellbeing, personal care and assisting at mealtimes.

Liz Yaxley, Dementia Services Manager at NNUH said: “Caring can sometimes be difficult, demanding and overwhelming, but equally rewarding too. We’ve piloted the Carer’s Passport on four wards and we’ve received great feedback so far. We’re very much looking forward to offering the passport to all adult inpatient wards as a way of showing our thanks for the support from carers during a patient’s hospital stay.”

In alignment with the Carer’s Passport, the Carer’s Partnership Agreement Form will be available for ward staff to use whilst issuing the passport. The form sets out agreement between the carer and the ward about what the carer can offer in terms of support for the patient whilst they are in hospital.

During Carers Week, there will be information stands for NNUH colleagues and members of the public to attend in the East Atrium on the main hospital site from Monday 11th June to Friday 15th June, 11am-3pm each day. The information stands will be hosted by teams at NNUH and a range of external organisations to show what support is available in Norfolk for carers. Organisations include Carers Matter Norfolk, Norfolk Young Carers Forum, Age UK Norfolk.

Frances Bolger, Acting Director of Nursing said: “As a trust we appreciate the commitment and support provided by carers to loved ones during their hospital stay, and it is great news we are introducing the Carer’s Passport on all adult inpatient wards.”