Definition
A carer is someone (including children and adults) who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to their disability, health condition, frailty, mental health problem, addiction or other health and care need, and cannot cope without their support.
We are committed to ensuring a partnership approach is adopted when working with carers. The carer’s role, expertise and understanding of the patient’s needs will be recognised and considered when planning patient’s care, treatment, and discharge.
Local NHS organisations and Hertfordshire County Council have collaboratively devised a 5-step pathway to support carers, accredited to Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT). This pathway ensures uniformity in identifying and assisting carers across different entities.
We identify and support carers through a series of steps. Patients are asked about their caring responsibilities, and if confirmed, a “Cared for” status is assigned. Parental consent is required for minors before activating a care alert. We consult relatives or visitors to identify unpaid carers and ensure continuous support for the care recipient. Young carers are identified through family conversations, with necessary support provided and parental consent obtained. Upon reaching adulthood, their status updates to “Unpaid carer”.
We value carers as essential partners in care delivery.
Colleagues are encouraged to:
- Support carers to complete a Carers Passport application
- Provide information on local support services and the Carer Support Package
- Issue a pink Supporting Carers lanyard for visibility in clinical areas
Carer Experience Volunteers
Our volunteer programme supports carers throughout their hospital journey:
- Carer Support Volunteers: Ward-based support, Carers Passport referrals, lanyards
- Carer In-reach Volunteers: Telephone support outside visiting hours
- Carer Companion Volunteers: Emotional support and companionship
- Carer Admin Volunteers: Awareness, coordination and service support
- Carer Engagement Volunteer: Promote awareness of carer services and support engagement activities, events, communications, and fundraising to strengthen carer involvement and experience across the Trust.
Request a visit: 01438 286965
[email protected]
Visiting – John’s Campaign
We support John’s Campaign, recognising carers as essential partners in care.
We offer open visiting from 8am–10pm. Carers may also visit outside these hours with a valid Carers Passport, ensuring continued involvement and support.
Carers are supported to access formal assessment, planning, and legal guidance where appropriate.
Carers Passport
The Carers Passport provides recognition and practical support.
In hospital:
- Recognition of the carer role
- Involvement in care planning
- Access to support services and amenities
In the community:
- Improved continuity of care
- Access to respite and support services
- Empowerment to advocate effectively
- Better integration across health and social care
Needs and Carer Assessments
Carer assessments are a key route to understanding needs and accessing support. These are supportive conversations, not tests.
Our Carer Practitioners support carers with:
- Assessment of needs and wellbeing
- Access to respite care and community services
- Future planning and support options
- Development of “in case of emergency” plans with Hertfordshire County Council
Click here to access in case of emergency plan.
Legal and Decision-Making Arrangements (LPA / Deputyship)
Some patients may lose or lack capacity to make decisions in the future.
Where this applies:
- Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) may be in place for health and welfare and/or property and financial affairs
- A nominated attorney can make decisions in the person’s best interests, within the scope of the legal document
- Where no LPA exists, the Court of Protection may appoint a deputy or guardian to act on behalf of the individual
Carers are encouraged to consider legal planning early. Support and guidance can be provided during carer assessments, particularly where long-term conditions or deteriorating health are identified.
This ensures lawful, safe, and person-centred decision-making across care settings.
Help with health costs
Support may be available for prescription charges, travel costs, and other NHS-related expenses.
We support active carer involvement in patient care, in line with patient consent and legal frameworks.
Carers are involved in discussions, care planning, and discharge processes where appropriate consent is in place.
Where an LPA or legal guardian/deputy is in place, they will be involved in accordance with their legal authority.
All involvement is documented in a shared care agreement accessible to both carers and the clinical team.
Carers Shared Care Agreement
Defines roles, responsibilities, and expectations between carers and clinical teams, including:
- Medication discussions
- Discharge planning
- Self-care guidance
- Visiting arrangements and agreed tasks
A copy is provided to carers for clarity and continuity.
Carer Experience Survey
Carers are encouraged to provide feedback to improve services and experience of care.
ADD Carer Experience Survey here
If you would like to share your feedback, please complete the Carer Experience Survey and email to [email protected] or call us so we can discuss your experience 01438286965.
We support safe and planned discharge through structured communication and preparation:
- Confirm carer readiness and willingness
- Prepare discharge plan and ensure understanding
- Provide information on community services and carer organisations
- Involve carers in discharge timing and planning
Provide discharge letters, medication (if required), equipment, and follow-up information
