Support for carers

Am I a carer?

You may not think so, but if:

• you are looking after a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who has additional needs, an illness frailty, disability or addiction problem
• the person you look after could not manage without your help
• you are unpaid in this role

then you are a carer.  As an unpaid carer you may be eligible for help, services and support from SASH, social services and many charitable organisations.

The rights of carers are fundamental to the NHS Commitment to Carers and the Care Act (2015). This means that carers can access advice on what is available to help support both themselves and the person they care for. At SASH, we recognise the needs of carers and value the continued support they provide whilst the person they care for is a patient in our care.

If the person you care for is admitted to hospital 

If the person you care for is admitted to East Surrey Hospital, we have several ways that we can support you.

In the first instance, please speak to the nurse in charge of the ward and let them know about your role in the care of the patient.

Visit the support for patients page to see what you can do to support the person you care for if they are admitted to hospital.

The Carer’s Passport

Ask about the Carer’s Passport. If you are the main carer, a Carer’s Passport will support you in continuing your caring role for the patient whilst they are in hospital. The carers passport gives you greater flexibility to help care for the person you are visiting. This includes:

• Discounted multi-exit car parking
• Staff discount on food in the restaurant (only includes food made on-site)
• Refreshments during ward drinks rounds

Open visiting

Please take advantage of the open visiting policy. Open visiting allows you to visit the person you care for at a time that suits you both; help with the daily routine; eat together; be present at doctors’ rounds and continue your caring role if you would like to do so. Please note carers are exempt from visiting restrictions and visiting remains open to carers looking after somebody in hospital. For further information on our visiting guidance, please click here. 

Carers support

Ask the nurse in charge for a referral for carers support. West Sussex Carers Support Association or Action for Carers Surrey will assist you in gaining the information, resources and support you need. Visit the carers support page for more information.