Carers UK welcomes the new patient standards published today, which set out what patients and unpaid carers should expect when they, or the person they care for, are referred for planned (non-urgent) NHS care in England.

Carers UK has provided NHS England and the Government with multiple sources of evidence from unpaid carers. This shows that a lack of notice, updates and poor coordination causes additional frustration and stress for unpaid carers whilst they provide essential care to relatives and friends who are chronically ill and need support. Carers UK's research with carers, A fresh new approach to supporting carers through the NHS, found that one in eight unpaid carers are doing 40 hours of NHS administration per month for someone else. 

Carers UK sees these standards as the kind of customer service that we should expect from the NHS and the right level of recognition for unpaid carers. It's another important step to reduce the pressure on millions of unpaid carers - family and friends - who spend a huge amount of time pulling together disjointed services and support.  Given that carers are more likely to be in ill-health, less likely to be in paid employment and can easily become burnt out through the pressures of caring, these kinds of measures are part of the answer in making a positive difference. 

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs Carers UK said:

"These standards are a really important step forward and we welcome the fact that carers will be notified where appropriate.  They are often the key to patients getting to their appointments on time and having successful treatment. Carers tell us of their deep frustration at the lack of information and notice about care, with things going missing, letters arriving after appointments or simply being wrong.  Families are managing an enormous amount of unpaid care for ill relatives and friends on top of their busy lives. They often have to take time off work and spend hours making arrangements.  These standards provide carers with a tangible way to hold services to account whilst reducing unnecessary administration and stress, allowing them to fully focus on supporting the person they care for.”