Carers Support service
A carer is anyone, including a child, 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.
University Hospitals Dorset recognises the vital role that carers play in the health and wellbeing of those they care for. Carers have a right, but not a duty, to continue to care whilstthe person they care for 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 a carer 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 Advisor 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 University Hospitals Dorset we welcome, involve and support carers whilst they, or the person they care for, is in hospital.
How to contact the service (Monday to Friday 9.00am 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 all carers
- Listening and understanding carer concerns
- One to one support
- Signposting to community support
Benefits for carers who wish to continue their caring role whilst the person they care for is in hospital
- Ward/staff liaison
- Involvement/support at hospital meetings
- Unrestricted visiting
- Parking concessions
- Meal discounts (for Carers’ Card cardholders)
- Emergency overnight pack
- Carer beds for overnight stays (Dependant on availability and at the discretion of Matron/Sister)
Further support
Caring for someone in the Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole (BCP) council area please contact:
CRISP (Carers Resource Information & Support Programme)
Telephone: 01202 128787
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Web: 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
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.
