The Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure places legislative duty upon NHS and local authorities to produce a joint Carers Information and Consultation Strategy and is the first time a legislative duty has been placed on the NHS in relation to carers in Wales.
Whilst local authority social services departments have long had responsibility for meeting carers needs, under the measure, local health boards are designated as the lead authority for ensuring delivery of the requirements set out in the measure.
Research shows that for 4 out of 5 carers, their first point of contact is with a community-based health service, generally either at a health centre, GP practice or at home. In making the NHS the lead agency, the measure recognises that the NHS plays a vital role in identifying carers, offering them information and signposting or referring them to sources of advice and support.
What will happen as a result of this strategy?
- Better information will be provided to carers
- Staff will be better trained to recognise and offer information and support to carers
- Carers will be able to access training to support their caring role
- Carers will be properly consulted on all decisions regarding the person they care for
- Carers will be actively engaged with and properly consulted in any changes to services they us
Aneurin Bevan Health Board, along with the five local authorities in Gwent have produced their Carers Information and Consultation Strategy, which has been sent to the Welsh Government for approval.
A copy of the strategy can be found below: -
Carers Information and Consultation Strategy 2012 – 2015 (PDF 343kb)
Appendix 1 (PDF 166 kb)
Appendix 2 (PDF 74kb)
Appendix 3 (PDF 13kb)
Appendix 4 (PDF 16kb)
Appendix 5 (PDF 56kb)
Appendix 6 (PDF 16kb)
Appendix 7 (PDF 13kb)
Appendix 8 (PDF 45kb)