Carer’s passport
Being a carer can sometimes feel overwhelming and tiring, especially if you’re a sandwich carer. We understand the importance of taking breaks and know you may not always be able to visit your loved one while they’re in hospital. We want you to know they’re being looked after with care and compassion while you’re away, and we’ll welcome you back with open arms when you return.
That’s why we’ve introduced the carer’s passport, to help support you and the person you’re caring for while they’re in hospital.
What is a carer’s passport?
It’s a record and support network that identifies you as a carer. It includes access to support, services and other benefits such as:
- an agreement with our staff about the care you want to assist with
- access to the ward for providing care between 8am and 10pm, or longer in exceptional circumstances such as end of life or dementia
- reduced car parking fees (£20 for 7 days).
Who can apply?
You can apply for a patient passport if you’re 16 or over and care for a family member or friend and will be visiting them in one of our hospitals.
If you are aged between 16 and 18, we’ll give you a named member of staff who will support you while you’re in the ward. They’ll check in with you regularly to make sure you’re ok.
How does the carer passport work?
If you and your friend/family member agree, one of the ward team will talk to you and them about what they can manage and their usual routines. Share any information that will help us including any assessment/life story documents such as ‘this is me.’
We discuss how you can continue to care and support the patient. This may include practical things like, washing, dressing, and feeding or emotional support. We work with you so that you know about any restrictions, or if a member of the nursing team needs to do or help with these activities.
You’ll need to complete and sign a carer agreement before we issue you with a carer passport badge. You must return the badge to a member of the ward team when the person you’re caring for returns home.
What if my family member/friend doesn’t have capacity?
One of the nursing staff will discuss the carer’s passport with you in terms of what you can do to support.
I share caring responsibilities with someone else. Can we both apply for a carer passport?
Yes. Each patient can have up to two carer’s passport holders but only one of you can attend as a carer at any one time. Up to two people can be at a patient’s bedside during normal visiting hours.
I’m not the patient’s next of kin. Can I still apply for a carer passport?
Yes. If the patient would like you to help with their care in hospital you can apply for a carer passport. If the patient can’t express their wishes, staff will decide what’s in the patient’s best interests.
If I’m unwell or at short notice can’t attend for another reason, can I nominate someone else to take my place, even if they don’t have a carer passport?
Yes. The substitute carer should discuss this with a member of the ward team on arrival.
Can I use the same carer passport each time the patient is admitted or for outpatient appointments?
No. The carer passport is only valid whilst the patient is an inpatient in hospital. If the patient comes back into hospital, you’ll need to apply for a new carer passport.
While your family member/friend’s in hospital
It’s important that you look after your own wellbeing as well as that of the person you’re caring for.
Can I stay overnight?
We don’t have spare beds available so it’s not possible to stay overnight unless in exceptional circumstances. You’re welcome to stay until 10pm and return at 8am the following morning.
If the patient is at the end of life or has dementia, talk to the nurse in charge in advance who may agree for you to stay overnight.
Who’s responsible if the patient falls or is injured while I’m caring for them?
The safety of the patient remains the responsibility of the Trust. In the event of injury or a fall, tell a member of staff who will assist.
I/my friend/family member needs an interpreter. Can I interpret for them?
You can interpret day-to-day conversations, but for conversations related to the patient’s care and treatment, we’ll need to arrange an interpreter. Tell us if you or the person you care for wears a hearing aid or have hearing difficulties. We offer interpreting services in several languages and in British Sign Language.
What if I want to help with a process that requires a high level of training/competency, for example, bowel management for a spinal patient?
Where relevant, we’ll ask you to provide evidence that you’ve been trained to do so. If you’ve helped when the patient was at home, you may continue with supervision from clinical staff.
Can I bring in food for the patient I’m caring for or for myself? And if so, is there a fridge I can keep it in and somewhere that I can heat it up?
You can bring in cold or tinned food for storage in the ward’s patient fridge. Label it with the patient’s name and the date it was put in the fridge.
Food should be eaten the same day. Please take any leftovers home with you or we’ll need to throw them away. We can’t heat up food either for yourself or for the person you’re caring for.
Will I get food and refreshments while I’m on the ward?
You may be able to have tea, coffee, or water. Please ask a member of staff.
Whilst we can’t provide you with food, there are two restaurants at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, a café and a snack bar at Wycombe Hospital, and a coffee shop at Amersham Hospital.
Will I get discounted car parking?
Yes, it’s one of the benefits of having the carer passport. You can apply for a 7-day permit which costs £20 for the week. Speak to a member of the ward team for a parking concession form. Complete the form and take it to the hospital reception at Stoke Mandeville or the cashiers office at Wycombe.
For Amersham Hospital and Buckingham Hospital, complete the form, give it to the staff member to send by email and then call 01494 425271 to make your payment.
Feedback
We want to hear from you about your experience as a carer passport holder. Your feedback matters to us and will enhance the support we provide to you and your loved ones.
Complete our survey if you’ve used the passport as an unpaid carer