HOSPITALS across Dorset have launched a new Hospital Carer Passport to help carers be recognised and supported.

By introducing the "Our Dorset" Hospital Carer Passport, hospitals all throughout Dorset have acknowledged the crucial role that carers play in the health and wellness of those they care for.

This new scheme meets one of the recommendations made by Healthwatch Dorset in a recent report on carers experiences of supporting loved ones leaving hospital to recover at home – a process called Home First.

The scheme was launched on November 24, which was also Carers Rights Day. 

The purpose of the Carer Passport is to clearly identify carers when their cared-for person is admitted into hospital and for staff to welcome, involve and support carers while also helping them to understand the needs of the cared-for person throughout their hospital stay.

READ MORE: 'Bereavement parking' introduced at Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Louise Bate, Healthwatch Dorset Manager, said: "Learning from people’s experiences and feedback is key to developing and improving health and care services.

"We shared carers feedback with NHS Dorset along with ideas for improvement to help with the redesign of the Home First service.

"We’re delighted that the Hospital Carer Passport is being introduced to make sure carers needs are recognised and supported more effectively while they are caring for someone in hospital. 

"This shows just how important it is for people to share their feedback with us – working together we really can make a positive difference to health and care."

The benefit of a Hospital Carer Passport encourages hospital staff to have 'carer conversations' to ensure carers are involved and supported in their cared-for person’s care from admission through to discharge.

For this reason, Carer Passports are non-transferrable from hospital to hospital.

The Carer Passport scheme includes: Flexibility with visiting time, inclusion in care, inclusion to assist at mealtimes, involvement in discussing and planning for discharge and access to information about patient care (with relevant consent).

However, each hospital's passport offer may differ.