Carers supporting loved ones during a hospital stay will now be easier to identify, thanks to the new carers’ badges being rolled out.
They were developed to help staff at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals, easily recognise people that are caring for their loved ones.
One of the first to use the badge was Nathan Lamb, 37, from Southend, who cares for his partner Kaylee.
He said: “These badges are a great idea because when Kaylee is in hospital, I am often her eyes and ears, talking to staff on her behalf. Being immediately recognisable as Kaylee’s carer will make it easier for staff to involve me in discussions around her treatment and discharge plans.”
They were created by the Patient Experience and Engagement team following consultation with patients, carers and families through the Trust’s Carers’ Support Group.
Sarah Haines, Head of Patient Experience and Engagement, said: “Listening to our patients, carers and families is vital to improving the care we provide. Unpaid carers make an invaluable contribution to the wellbeing and recovery of the people they support, and we want them to feel valued and included as true partners in their care. “We are incredibly grateful to the carers who shared their experiences and helped shape an initiative that will make a real difference across our hospitals.”
The production of the new carers’ badges was funded by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.
