CESP CORNWALL ( caradon ) GROUP CARER'S CHARTER; April 2002

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

To access practical advice/ help when it is needed ie 24 hour access

" I would like to be able to pick up the phone,
get advice or be signed posted on to the appropriate help "

" I would like hands on help that I could access without the need of a referral "

1. Respite.
[ i.e. discuss with me what kind of programmed breaks in the week
would give me a relief and my relative a useful occupational activity....added by ed. as additional explanation ]

2. What information /resources are available locally from NHS, voluntary, and charities?

3. More information on the Mental Health Act.

4. More information and explanations about the sectioning process perhaps in a leaflet

... e.g. " I had no idea that the police would be there "

5. Information on local carer support groups.

 

COMMUNICATION

1. Improved communication between the carer, service user and the professionals.
2. A carer for the carers e.g. a social worker for the carer.
3. To be listened to by the professionals.
4. The carers' voice to be heard -
" We would like to write our stories and make them available
to professionals to help them understand the carers' perspective. "

Carers are intelligent

5. Quick access to the system when we ask for help.
6. To be told that you are a carer and you have rights.

COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP

To be involved in care plans.

Care plans to be dicussed with us and to be written before our relative leaves the ward.

To be (carers and their relative) met by a nurse when our relative (the service patient user) is being admitted to the ward.
    For that nurse to stay with our relative until the assessment is finished.

  The assessment to be carried out in a quiet room rather than in the main
Social area.
To be (the carers) greeted by a member of the ward when we visit our relative in hospital.