Support for unpaid carers

At Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) we understand the huge difference unpaid carers make to their loved ones and appreciate that caring can impact greatly on the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers.

We are committed to supporting unpaid carers by identifying people who have a caring role and appropriately involving them in the planning and care required for the person they care for. CHFT uses the Carers UK definition to help identify unpaid carers: “anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, and cannot cope without their support”.

We train members of the team to identify unpaid carers and, alongside other local organisations, we offer lanyards and identification cards which can help identify unpaid carers to staff members. We heard from carers that this can support them to be more easily involved (with consent / permission from the person being cared for), in decisions about care. Lanyards are available from all wards and departments.

Whilst the carer lanyards do not automatically provide unlimited free parking, those who meet the car parking concession requirements can receive free parking. If carers travel by other means, they may be able to receive support with other transport costs. See the NHS's Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme or visit the General Office within our hospital for support.

There is no expectation from us at CHFT, but carers who wish to, will be supported to visit outside of usual visiting times, and we have beds available if carers wish to stay overnight. Light refreshments will be available when carers spend significant periods of time within the hospital.

The Nurse in Charge will support carers with lanyards, parking concession forms and arrangements to visit out of the usual visiting times, or to arrange to stay overnight.

We understand it can sometimes be difficult for carers to attend their own hospital appointments if they have extra responsibilities.  

When a patient receives their appointment information by text, if it is not at a convenient time due to caring responsibilities, they can reply to the message without having to telephone. 

CHFT appointment letters and reminders are sent to patients from mobile number 07860 039092. Patients have two choices to let us know digitally that they’d like to change their appointment:

• They can text ‘CHANGE’ to be given an alternative appointment date and time, or
• They can log into the patient portal, find their appointment and select the ‘Change appointment’ option.  When they choose that option they will be able to type in more information about when they are available or days and times in the week that are better for them

Alternatively patients can phone the Appointment Centre for support on 01484 355370.

Carers Count

Carers Count are a local organisation, and they are the experts in supporting unpaid carers to access a wealth of resources available locally. This includes supporting unpaid carers with an assessment which is a chance to discuss the carer’s needs, and signpost carers to a range of local services which can make a huge difference. We have postboxes and self-referral forms in our main entrances at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital, or our staff will be happy to help you make a referral. Please do not hesitate to ask if this is your preference.

Carers’ Charter

We have listened to what unpaid carers have told us is important to them, and developed a Charter so our staff and unpaid carers visiting CHFT know what they can expect.  The Charter has been developed with our partners at Calderdale Council and Kirklees Council, in addition to carers, and will be delivered across Calderdale and Kirklees. 

A plain text version of the charter is below.

Further information

Should you require any further information, wish to provide feedback, or support CHFT in developing or improving services for unpaid carers, we would really like to hear from you. Please email Patientexperience@cht.nhs.uk or call 07825 054782.