In hospital
We provide help, support and advice to carers from admission to discharge as a carer and if you are a patient.
About the service
Our Hospital Carer Liaison Workers are based at the BRI and Southmead Hospital. They provide one-to-one support for carers whilst they, or the person they care for, are in hospital, including:
- helping you access hospital services
- offering emotional support and advice relevant to your caring role
- helping you communicate your needs or concerns or those of the person you care for to health professionals
- attending best interest, care planning and discharge planning meetings with you and acting as an advocate, if you would find this helpful
- talking you through the hospital processes
- helping you to look at financial support/benefits for you and the person you care for
- advising you as to whether you are entitled to a Carers Assessment and helping you organise this
- providing you with information about carer services in your local area
We can support hospital discharge and support communication with health professionals in the hospital.
Further information
Southmead Hospital – Carers Support Scheme
There are a number of ways that Southmead provides support to carers, for instance, if you spend more than three hours, several times a week supporting a patient on the wards you may be entitled to free parking and you may be able to access the staff canteen.
Find out more about Southmead Hospital’s Carers Support Scheme
BRI – Carers Information Scheme
Services for carers providing support on the wards to patients include discounted parking and a carers sticker to identify you.
Find out more about the BRI’s Carers Information Scheme
For more information on both these schemes ask on the ward or speak to our Hospital Carers Liaison Worker.
Carers Charter
Carers’ input was vital in developing the Carers Charter that covers all hospitals in Bristol and South Glos. It sets out what you can expect from them as a carer and covers the following:
- recognising carers as equal partners in care
- supporting carers
- sharing information
- young carers
- discharge
More information about the Carers Charter from North Bristol NHS Trust
“Thank you for meeting me and thank you again for listening. It was a pleasure to meet you too, and I wouldn’t have had a clue about this helpful information if you hadn’t told me.”
You might also be interested in
A dedicated team working with GP practices to help identify and support carers.
Get help with keeping yourself well, courses and groups, and life after caring.
Our friendly support worker leads group walks offering a listening ear and providing support to help carers in your caring role.
Safe, confidential spaces to meet with other carers face-to-face and online – to share information and provide support to each other.
Did you find this page helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our services for all.
