Are You a Carer?
If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you. It is estimated that 10% of patients are also carers. The responsibilities of carers mean they are more likely to suffer from ill health; through stress and depression, poor self-care or physical injuries due to incorrect moving and handling.
Our Carer's Champion is our Reception Manager, Helen. She is happy to provide information and help so that Carers and those who are cared for are aware of all the help and support which is available to them. Please contact the surgery for details.
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 couldn’t get by 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.
There is a difference between a carer and a care worker or care assistant who is paid to provide care.
Young Carers
If you are a young carer you can complete an online self-referral form to access help and support
How can we help?
Carers are entitled to an annual free Flu Vaccination and patients have the right to be accompanied at any practice appointment by their carer if they wish.
NHS Choices has a Carers guide to Carers, Caring and the support on offer.
We can refer you to Carers Northumberland or you can self-refer to them. They are a charity dedicated to improving the lives of carers by responding to the needs of carers, informing carers of their rights and entitlements, supporting carers to access help for the person they care for, reducing the social isolation that so many carers feel and empowering carers to have a voice.
We have a Carers Information section in our leaflet rack in the waiting room with useful contact information on organisations such as Carers Northumberland.
Coronavirus
During the coronavirus pandemic you may need more support than before - or perhaps for the first time. Northumberland County Council has a Community Response Hub as part of Northumberland Communities Together whic can help “If you are struggling with managing at home and need support for basic things like food, and have been unable to get help from family, friends or local community groups". contact them by email:
Carers Northumberland are continuing their good work but by telephone. You may want support for your mental health and our dedicated Coronavirus page has useful contacts.
OneCall is the service to use if you are worried about a child or adult’s welfare. Contact Onecall on 01670 536 400. Onecall brings together adult social care and healthcare staff from Northumbria Health Care NHS trust with Northumberland County Council staff from children’s services, and partners in Northumbria Police. Their priority is providing help at the earliest opportunity before the situation becomes more serious.