THOSE caring for a family member will benefit from a new hospital liaison service if their loved one goes into hospital which aims to improve communication for all.

The new service, run by Carer Support Wiltshire, has been commissioned by Wiltshire Council and was piloted in the area last year which revealed the importance of keeping carers informed and consulted throughout.

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Salisbury resident Kate Appleton, 71, was a recipient of the service when her 88-year-old husband was in the hospital.

She said: “My husband has Alzheimer’s disease and was stuck in a loop while waiting to get him home. The service is a lifeline. Having that support makes such a difference. You have someone to turn to for help.

“The whole service at Carer Support Wiltshire is fantastic. Without it, I am sure family carers like me would end up in a doctor’s surgery on antidepressants.”

Hayley Boland is heading up the new team working with Salisbury District Hospital, Bath Royal United, Great Western as well as Chippenham, Savernake, and Warminster community hospitals.

She said: “Carers need to be fully involved so they are able to make an informed choice about what support they are able to give the person they care for whose needs may have changed or deteriorated.

“Our hospitals are committed to supporting carers; however, hospitals are busy places and it’s not always easy to have continuous contact with one person.

She added: “By working in partnership with each hospital, our team will act on the behalf of and advocate for the carer and liaise with hospital staff and other services who are supporting the cared-for person with the aim of reducing re-admission or crisis situations following the discharge of the person they care for.”

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Cabinet member for adult social care at Wiltshire Council, Cllr Jane Davies, said: “Carers are an important part of the conversation when the person they care for is in hospital and at the point when they can leave to be cared for at home.

"The new liaison service will ensure carers have the right information and support to ensure they are part of the key decision-making. I’m pleased this is being rolled out across Wiltshire.”

Managing director of Wiltshire Health and Care, Douglas Blair, said: “We are delighted to be working with Carer Support Wiltshire to support and empower carers through the hospital liaison service. Carers play a vital role, and we are committed to involving them in the care of their loved one every step of the way.” 

Carer Support Wiltshire is a charity that supports carers throughout Wiltshire and is funded by Wiltshire Council and the NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

For more, go to carersupportwiltshire.co.uk