Today, the Trust is celebrating the launch of our Carers’ Charter and Carer Passport, both of which are aimed at supporting patient and family partnerships in care.
We recognise that family members make a unique and important contribution to patient care, experiences and outcomes, so we have designed the Carers' Charter with the support of two families who have been working with us for a number of years.
Unpaid patient carers, such as partners or relatives may be eligible for a Carer Passport. By prior agreement with the patient and the ward, Carer Passports will enable the patient’s normal carer to assist in the following ways:
- Provide assistance with meals and drinking
- Be more actively involved in discussions around planning for discharge
- Flexible visiting times
- Receive refreshments on the ward Drinks Round
- Providing support to the person they care for during certain tests and procedures
Together with our Patient Experience team, DGT Carers, Assistant Chief Nurse, Julia Walsh, and our patients’ family members, Kathleen Rye and Baljit Dhillon we held a stand in the main hospital at Darent Valley Hospital earlier today to celebrate the official launch. Our representatives handed out information leaflets, showcased the passport and spoke to patients, visitors and staff about the initiative… as well as handing out some tasty treats.
This is a positive step for our patients who require additional support.
Head of Patient Experience and Engagement, Charmain Wright, said: "Carers play an important role in looking after patients and we recognise their experience and knowledge in supporting the patient to manage their condition. We are delighted to launch our new Carer Passport and Charter today and look forward to the benefits this will offer to patients when in hospital."
For more information on the Carers’ Charter and Carer Passport, please speak to the Ward Manager or email dgn-tr.patientexperience@nhs.net
On behalf of their families, we would like to dedicate the development of the Carers’ Charter in memory of Kartar Kaur Dhillon and Rebecca Rye.