An unpaid carer is a family member, friend or neighbour who looks after someone who, due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction, or disability, cannot manage on their own.

This also includes children and young people with caring responsibilities.

We appreciate that families, friends, and neighbours have an important role in meeting the care needs of many patients, both before they are admitted to hospital and after they have been discharged.

We want to promote the health and independence of unpaid carers, by involving them during a patient's stay in hospital, and in planning his or her discharge.

If you're visiting Great Western Hospital (GWH), please speak up and let one of the nursing staff know that you are a carer, and we will do all we can to support you and the person you care for.

If you are a carer and are admitted to GWH yourself, it is important that you make hospital staff aware of your caring responsibilities so that you can get support while you are in hospital and once you are discharged home.

Carers Charter

Co-produced with staff, carers and external partners and carers charter supports our ongoing work to improve services for carers.

The charter is visible across our Trust and with partner organisations and local communities, providing a clear outline of our pledge and key areas of focus in working to ensure positive carer experience.

The charter is used to form the foundations of our continuing work plan, monitoring of achievements, and is a reminder to all staff, patients, and carers of our agreed direction of travel.

Carers Support Passport

Ask any member of our nursing staff about our Carers Support Passport if you are supporting your cared for person and contributing to care whilst they are in hospital.

The passport supports us to work with you as partners in care and will support you in doing this, including staying overnight if you wish.

It also provides access to a range of benefits including concessions on parking, beverages and food.

Carers Café 

Our Carers Café offers support, information and advice for all carers, along with a free cup of tea or coffee. 

If you are an unpaid carer, please feel free to join us every Wednesday from 2pm - 3.30pm in the main hospital Refresh restaurant on the ground floor of the Great Western Hospital.

Lasting power of attorney

If you have a lasting power of attorney for health, for your cared for person, you can provide a certified copy to our heath records team by post or email.

Further information

Our friendly team of volunteers visit the wards and outpatient departments to provide carers with information, signposting, support and referral to carer services.