If you are looking after someone who is about to go into hospital or who is already in hospital, you may find this a very worrying and stressful time.
As someone who provides care or support to a patient:
- You should be treated as an equal partner in the care of the person you support
- You should be involved in any discussions about their care whilst they are in hospital and about what will happen when they leave hospital
- You should be given a choice in whether you are able to carry on providing support or care
- Before the person you support leaves hospital, you should be asked whether you need information and support to help you care for them.
You may find it useful to think about:
- Have you been told what you need to know about their health problem or injury?
- Do you know how to look after them when they leave hospital?
- Do you know who to call if you need more help when the person you care for has returned home?
- Has anyone asked you if you feel able to care for the person when they leave hospital?
- Have you been informed of any carers' support or services that might be available?
- Have you been offered a carer's assessment or been told how to ask for one?
- Has anyone talked to you about how you might arrange regular breaks from caring, so that you get time for yourself?
If no one has talked to you about these things, you may want to ask for more information or help.
Support for carers in hospital
There are four Family and Carer Support workers available to help carers in Camden with any difficulties they may experience while the person they care for is in hospital.
The Royal Free Hospital
Family and Carer Support - Hospital Discharge Project
Tel: 020 7794 0500 ex. 36705
Naomi Feather, Mon to Wed morning
Mobile: 07951 586 334
UCLH/St Pancras Hospital
Family and Carer Support - Hospital Discharge Project
Jo Standen
Tel: 020 3317 3339
Mobile: 07805 253 641
Useful numbers
Royal Free Hospital
Social work team (adults)
Tel: 020 7794 0500 ex. 38113
Children, Schools and Families team ex. 38103
UCLH social work team (adults)
Tel: 020 7380 9813
Camden Adult Social Care Services
Tel: 020 7974 4000
Camden Carers Centre
Tel: 020 7428 8950
Support for carers of people with mental health problems
Tel: 020 7530 6431 or 07872 189 783
Red Cross support service
Home support following hospital care
Tel: 020 3317 3378
Camden Reach team (CARIC)
Support and rehabilitation
Tel: 0845 900 0684
Patient Support Service (previously PALS)
Tel: 020 3317 3003