Let your GP practice know that you are a carer and ask if this can be registered on your medical record. All GP practices are required to keep a Carers Register, which is a list of patients who are providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend living with a long-term health condition.
In addition to this, your practice may also offer:
- Flexibility with appointment times for you and the person you care for
- Annual Health Checks for carers
- Coffee and Chat sessions or Carers Groups
- Carers Board – a display of useful information for carers including details of the Carers Count service
- Carers Champion – an allocated member of staff who can provide you with more information about Carers Count and refer you through to us for support
- Agreement to share information with you about the person you care for, with their consent
- If the person you care for no longer has the capacity to or is unable to give consent, the practice will still share information with you if you have a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare for that person (proof of this is usually required)
- Registered carers are entitled to a free flu jab each year
Patient Reference Groups:
Most GP practices have a PRG or Patient Reference Group (previously known as a Patient Participation Group), which is a group of patients who meet at regular intervals with staff to discuss practice affairs and is an excellent way of having a voice and being involved in helping your practice to be the best it can. Anyone is welcome to join – get in touch with your practice for more information.
Read our guide to using GP surgeries safely during the pandemic by clicking here.
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