This page sets out some of the questions
you may have about how you, as a carer, can work with staff to
provide the best possible care.
Will the hospital recognise my role as a carer?
If you are next of kin, the hospital is likely
to acknowledge your role. If you are not, then explain to the
admissions staff what your role is in providing care and, if you
are the main carer, ask that they make you the point of
contact.
Do I have the authority to speak on behalf of the person I care
for?
If the person you care for is an adult and is
capable of understanding what is happening, they are entitled to
expect confidentiality from hospital staff and make their own
decisions about the care they receive. If there is uncertainty over
their capacity, explain your concerns to the hospital staff as soon
as possible. The patient should only be asked to sign consent forms
for treatment if they are capable of understanding the
implications.
If you are not a close relative of the person
you care for, there may be a difficulty in getting your role
recognised. Tell the hospital staff if you hold a power of attorney
or if you have been the main contact with the GP or Social Services
- it makes it easier for them to see how important you are to the
person you care for.
Working in partnership with the hospital
The main concern for both you and the hospital
will be to see that the person you care for receives the best
available treatment and that their stay in hospital is as relaxed
as possible. This will be achieved by the carer and hospital staff
working in partnership, respecting each other's roles.
What should I expect from hospital staff?
- Recognition of your role and experience in caring.
- Understanding of your specific knowledge of the patient and
their circumstances.
- Understanding that the situation is stressful for you and for
the person you care for.
- A willingness to make you feel comfortable on the ward.
- Proper introductions to any staff treating the person you care
for.
- Jargon-free, simple, clear explanations.
- Adequate time and privacy to discuss issues surrounding the
health of the person you care for.
- Courtesy at all times
What should hospital staff expect from you?
- Polite and courteous behaviour, however stressed you are.
- Recognition that the person you need to speak to may not always
be available.
- A willingness to introduce yourself to staff because it helps
them to put a name to a face.
- Respect for hospital rules, such as visiting times, washing
hands, and numbers of visitors.
- Contact telephone number for you as a carer.
How can I help myself?
Consider taking a friend or family member with
you to key meetings as it is sometimes difficult to remember what
has been said or agreed.
If you do not understand something, do not be
afraid to ask for it to be repeated, explained or written down.
It is not always easy to remember all the
questions you want to ask. Write them down before you visit.
'Information about me'
The hospital has put together a folder called
'Information about me'. It was designed to be completed by carers
of people with learning disabilities or severe communication
problems, i.e. people who cannot communicate their needs and
problems. It is an A5 document that will stay with the patient or
carer and will indicate to staff some key information about the
person you are caring for if they are unable to communicate this
information themselves. It includes information on communication,
mobility, dietary and continence requirements. Please ask staff for
a copy if you haven't got one - it is also available from PALS.
What can I do to help the ward staff?
You can ensure that you or the person you care
for has completed their 'Information about me' folder. In it, you
can supply information that will ensure the comfort and correct
care of the patient from an early stage. The folder will outline
the following:
- The name the patient likes to be known by.
- About their level of independence and mobility.
- About their comprehension / memory problems.
- About their continence state.
- About any sight or hearing problems.
- Any medication the patient regularly takes.
- Any dietary requirements.
What information can I expect hospital staff to give me?
If you are the main carer, you will generally
be given factual information such as ward details, name of
consultant and updates. You do have to remember, however, that
hospitals are bound by very strict patient confidentiality and they
can decline to give information if they believe that it is in the
best interest of the patient to do so or if the patient has
indicated that they do not want information passed on.
If you are not the main carer, then you should
obtain information from the person who is. If this is not possible,
then ask the hospital staff whether they are able to keep you
informed. Ideally, there should be one main point of contact to
avoid duplication, which wastes valuable nursing time.
Useful Contacts
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)
0118 322 8338