What is the Carer’s Passport?
The experience of carers as well as our patients is very important to us here at Gateshead Health. To help us to achieve this, we have implemented a national initiative called “John’s Campaign” which we call the Carer’s Passport.
The campaign was developed to raise awareness of the needs of patients with dementia and the importance of supporting and involving carers in their relatives’ care. There is already evidence of good practice in supporting the carers of our patients. This campaign does not seek to replace or limit the existing good practice; the aim is to ensure a consistent approach across all areas of the hospital and is in addition to any existing arrangements.
Who is the Carer’s Passport for?
Although the initiatives of John’s Campaign centred around patients with dementia, as an organisation, we recognise that there are other patient groups that would benefit from having their carers’ with them during their stay.
The Carer’s Passport is currently considered for the following patient groups:
- Patients with dementia/delirium or cognitive impairment
- Patients with learning disabilities
- Patients who have a high level of care needs (e.g. eating and drinking)
- Any patient who you feel would benefit from having a carer present (e.g. patients experiencing anxiety, needing reassurance)
- Patients who are critically ill
- Patients who are end of life.
Benefits of the Carer’s Passport
We appreciate that trying to support you loved one in hospital comes with additional costs. As part of the Carer’s Passport, we offer a range of discounts and benefits to help alleviate this pressure.
These include:
Free Car Parking for the main carer of the patient.
Flexible visiting times, this can be discussed with the ward manager/nurse in charge.
20% discount at our Restaurant and Cafes:
- The Hub – Main restaurant
- Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4pm (main meal served 12:00 – 2pm)Saturday & Sunday 8:30am – 2pm
- The Beacon Café – Tranwell Unit
- Monday to Friday 9:30am – 2:30pm
- The Junction – Outpatients
- Monday to Friday 10am – 1:30pm
- Peter Smith Surgery Centre Café – Peter Smith Surgery Centre
- Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
- The Park Deli Café – Bensham
- Monday to Friday 9am – 2pm
For more information
If you feel that you would benefit from having a Carer’s Passport, please speak to the Ward Manger or nurse in charge. They will be able to discuss this with you and get this in place.
If you would like some more information about the Carer’s Passport, please contact the Patient Experience Team at [email protected]
Carers Forum
We are looking at building a Carers forum to help improve outcomes for patients and carers who regularly use our services.
If you would be interested in joining, could you please complete the questionnaire below or email [email protected], call 0191 445 8796 or visit the Patient Experience and Information Hub.
https://forms.office.com/e/f8A8zvtsAU
