Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:
“For a long time, we have said that the NHS needs to transform the way it interacts with unpaid carers. Over half (51%) of carers say they need more support from NHS or healthcare professionals. We are encouraged to see reassurance from the Government in their NHS 10-year plan today that carers will be actively involved in care planning.
“There are 4.7 million people in England providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend. Without them, our healthcare system would likely collapse, but carers often feel unseen and left to care alone. They tell us that they want to see better recognition of their caring roles, better coordination of services and better access to healthcare professionals.
“A new model of working which includes unpaid carers in decision making can’t come soon enough. Caregiving is a social determinant of health and statistics show staggering health inequalities for unpaid carers. Systematic and routine identification of carers – to support their wellbeing and to listen to their experiences – is vitally important.
“Carers UK welcomes the announcement that there will be a new section for the NHS app called ‘My Carer’. The administration involved in accessing support for the person they care for often leaves carers feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. A single patient record, utilised across healthcare settings, will make a big difference for carers who feel the continual pressure of advocating and communicating for those they support. There is exciting potential to harness new digital technology to change this and to raise awareness amongst NHS staff whilst ensuring that those who are digitally excluded are well looked after.
“For this plan to be a success, we must see the same transformation and investment for social care to protect carers’ health through respite breaks, as well as their ability to juggle work and care. Carers UK will continue to campaign on this, calling for clear plans for social care reform so that carers can also access high-quality social care services when they need them.”