Carers Support service
A carer is anyone, including children, who looks after a family member, partner or friend. They give unpaid care to those close to them who cannot cope on their own because of illness, frailty, disability, mental health difficulties or problems with addiction.
Poole Hospital recognises the vital role that carers play in the health and wellbeing of a cared for person. Carers have a right, but not a duty, to continue to care whilst their cared- for person is in hospital.
Having a loved one in hospital can be a distressing time for a carer, particularly young carers. We also understand that it can be an anxious time for carers if they are admitted to hospital themselves.
The Carer Support Service is a free service which offers support to carers throughout their inpatient stay and can signpost the way to community support when they are discharged.
Carers can self-refer to the service by contacting the Carers Support Adviser directly or by asking a member of staff for a carer referral. If carers themselves have been admitted, they too can access the service. The service is confidential and offers one to one support.
At Poole Hospital we welcome, involve and support carers while they, or their cared-for person, is in hospital.
How to contact the service (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.00pm)
- Telephone: 0300 019 8714 (answerphone outside working hours)
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Ask: a member of staff for a carer referral
Benefits for carers
- Listening and understanding carer concerns
- One to one support
- Signposting to community support
- Carers’ Corner coming soon at the Patient & Carer Hub every Wednesday, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Benefits for carers who wish to continue their caring role whilst their cared-for person is in hospital
- Ward/staff liaison
- Involvement/support at hospital meetings
- Unrestricted visiting
- Parking concessions
- Meal concessions (for Carers' Card cardholders)
- Emergency overnight pack
- Carer beds for overnight stays (Dependant on availability and at the discretion of Matron/Sister)
- Carer companions
Further support
Caring for someone in the Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole (BCP) council area please contact:
CRISP (Carers Resource Information & Support Programme)
- Telephone: 01202 458204
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Web: http://www.crispweb.org/
Caring for someone in the Dorset council area please contact:
Carer Support Dorset
- Telephone: 0800 368 8349
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Web: carersupportdorset.co.uk
Home First
Our Dorset
The 'Our Dorset' ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and care outcomes, and live healthier, longer and fulfilling lives.
Health and care organisations across the Dorset county area are working in partnership to recognise, support and value unpaid carers of all ages. This includes listening to carers, commissioning and providing support and enabling carers to have a life outside of caring.
These organisations include:
- Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council including CRISP (Carers’ Resource Information and Support Programme)
- Dorset Council including partners Carer Support Dorset & Rethink
- Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
- Dorset NHS Clinical Commissioning Group
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals)
- Help & Care, Leonardo Trust, Dorset Carers Hub and Pramacare
This reflects the vision of Our Dorset (Dorset's integrated care system) that councils, NHS bodies and the voluntary sector work together to achieve through joined-up health and care services, linking together with community resources to support people and carers to look after themselves and promote their wellbeing.
