Introduction
1.1 Policy statement
The purpose of this document is to detail the procedures that Woodbrook Medical Centre has
implemented to identify and record carers, ensuring that such individuals are appropriately referred for a
Carer’s Assessment1
to Adult Care Services who will provide further advice and support.
Carers form a diverse group and provide services for individuals who need assistance or support with
day-to-day living. This document provides information that is applicable to all members of staff at
Woodbrook Medical Centre. It is the responsibility of all staff to give accurate, relevant information to
those individuals identified as carers whilst also recognising and signposting those individuals who are
providing a service but who are not registered as a carer.
1.2 Status
The organisation aims to design and implement policies and procedures that meet the diverse needs of
our service and workforce, ensuring that none are placed at a disadvantage over others, in accordance
with the Equality Act 2010. Consideration has been given to the impact this policy might have with regard
to the individual protected characteristics of those to whom it applies.
This document and any procedures contained within it are non-contractual and may be modified or
withdrawn at any time. For the avoidance of doubt, it does not form part of your contract of employment.
2 Policy
2.1 Who are carers?
A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative,
friend or neighbour who could not cope without their help. This could be due to old age, frailty, disability,
a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or
who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.2
There is a difference between a carer and care professionals who are paid to provide care. Some carers
receive statutory payments or a direct payment for their caring role. Even when carers do not receive
such payments, they are still considered to be carers.
Many carers may not identify themselves as a carer. Instead, they see themselves as someone’s
partner, relative or friend who is simply ‘doing their best’ to help someone they care about. For this
reason, asking ‘do you look after someone?’ can be a more effective opening question than ‘are you a
carer?
2.2 Significance of identifying carers
- By identifying, assessing and supporting carers’ needs, Woodbrook Medical Centre, will be effectively
- reducing:
- Avoidable demand on services
- Carer ill health
- Carer and family breakdown
- Unwarranted variations in carer support
Furthermore, by effectively identifying and appropriately supporting carers, Woodbrook Medical Centre
can make sure carers are able to lead a positive life outside of their caring role.
2.3 Mechanisms for identifying carers
At Woodbrook Medical Centre there are two methods used for identifying carers:
- Self-identification
- Organisation identification
Self-identification is reliant on individuals informing organisation staff that they are carers. In order to
raise awareness of the support available to individuals, Woodbrook Medical Centre has devised a
number of methods aimed at identifying carers such as:
- Displaying posters in the waiting room and clinical areas
- Including a carer section on new patient registration forms
- Promoting carer information on the organisation website and other social media
- Generating carer-based discussions at Patient Participation Groups, including visits from
local organisations
- Placing carer registration forms at reception (see Annex A)
- Holding carer campaigns and events using local media, social media and a range of
other opportunities.
- When an individual is collecting a prescription on behalf of someone else
- During a discussion with patients in consultation or other opportune times
All staff have a responsibility to try to identify, support and signpost carers.
2.4 Recording carer details
At Woodbrook Medical Centre as soon as an individual is identified as being a carer, this fact will be
annotated on the individual’s clinical record using SNOMED CT code: Caregiver (person) SCTID:
Furthermore, the individual will be added to the carers’ register and an alert added to the
clinical system to ensure the whole organisation team is able to see that the individual is a carer.
2.5 Support to carers
To ensure carers are identified and supported effectively, Woodbrook Medical Centre will adhere to the
framework of quality markers which covers six key areas as illustrated below.
Detailed guidance explaining how to apply the framework of quality markers can be found at Appendix A
of the Supporting carers in general practice: a framework of quality markers document.
2.6 Carers’ champion
At Woodbrook Medical Centre our carers’ champion is Karen Silk-Moore. It is their responsibility
to take the lead on all carer-related matters, providing advice and direction to staff and patients
as required. Furthermore, they will gather evidence and complete the declaration at Appendix B
of the framework of quality markers. Having this evidence can be used both for carers to know
that Woodbrook Medical Centre is a supportive organisation and for CQC inspection purposes.
2.7 Additional resources for carers
Additional services and agencies to which carers can be signposted are:
- Care
- Carers UK
- Carers Trust
- Age UK
- Healthwatch
- Adult Social Care resources
Further support is also available from www.carersweek.org.
2.8 The Carers Toolkit
An integrated approach to identifying and assessing carer health and wellbeing is detailed in
The Carers Toolkit which offers a formal mechanism for organisations to collaborate with
partners to agree ways of identifying and supporting carers.
3 Summary
There is a responsibility for all staff to try to identify those patients who are carers. At
Woodbrook Medical Centre, all staff are aware of the effects that caring for someone can have
on an individual. Therefore, it is essential that carers are given the necessary support to enable
them to provide care effectively.
Annex A – Example of a carer’s identification form
By identifying yourself as a carer, we will be able to support you and signpost you to the support
services available to you as a carer. If you consent, we will also refer you to Adult Social Care
for an assessment; they will identify your needs and provide further support to you as a carer.