Submitted by simon.hyde on

New Ward Accreditation Scheme

Wiltshire Health & Care has launched a new Ward Accreditation scheme which is helping to make caring visible and valued.

The new scheme was developed by carers and their representatives and will help improve how our hospital wards can better identify and support carers of all ages.  It aims to:

  • Improve carers’ health and promote positive wellbeing
  • Reduce carer crisis and family breakdown
  • Reduce unwarranted variations in carer support
  • Better manage demand on the service

The scheme focuses on key areas to improve the support offered to carers by hospital wards and it will builds on the work started by the NHS England Commitment to Carers.

This was launched during Carers Week, which is an annual campaign. It raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and recognises the contribution they make. Carers Week helps people to identify as carers and access support.

Carers face new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and need support.

Wiltshire Health & Care believe carers should be recognised for the challenges they experience, respected for all they are doing and provided with information, support and understanding.