Trust promises to support unpaid carers in Rotherham

The promise is a set of commitments that the Trust has made to ensure that carers receive the support, recognition and resources they deserve while the person they care for is an inpatient. Carers will be given a badge or lanyard to help staff easily identify them, which have been kindly funded by Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity. 

A carer or care partner is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or addiction.

The promise outlines the Trust’s commitment to:

• provide carers with the information and assistance they need to effectively care for their loved ones
• acknowledge the invaluable contributions of carers to the healthcare system and community
• involve carers in making care decisions with the patient’s permission
• empowering carers to make informed decisions and advocate for the needs of themselves and their loved ones
• work collaboratively with carers to ensure they receive the best possible support and services
• treat carers with dignity, respect and understanding.

Hannah Hall, Engagement and Inclusion Lead for the Trust, led on the work that has resulted in the promise: “We value the impact carers and care partners have on our patients, and the important role they continue to have when patients are receiving hospital care.

“We engaged with the Rotherham Parent Carer Forum, dementia carers groups and Rotherham Carers Forum, amongst others, to ensure we developed a meaningful carer’s promise.

“The lanyards and badges will enable healthcare staff across the Trust to recognise carers, and provide the support they need.”

Helen Dobson, Chief Nurse of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We believe that carers deserve the best possible support. The Carer and Care Partner Promise is a reflection of our values caring and together, and our dedication to improving the lives of those who care for loved ones.”

Read the full Carer and Care Partner Promise.

Further support and guidance for carers is available on Rotherham Council’s website.