Carer Support in Local Hospitals

For most unpaid carers, a trip to the hospital is quite a regular occurrence. This is usually due to the complex needs of the person we care for requiring frequent appointments with healthcare specialists. Local NHS trusts recognise the vital role that carers play in helping and supporting their patients during their stay in hospital. You may not know that unpaid carers are entitled to some additional benefits while visiting local hospitals. Below you will find a breakdown of what support and benefits are available for caregivers across these local hospitals.

QE Hospital

When visiting the QE Hospital, carers can speak to the manager or nurse in charge of the ward, or speak to the Patient Advice and Liasion team (PALS) to learn more about accessing the following benefits;

  • A special "carers passport" lanyard
  • The ability to access and arrange patient-centred visiting arrangements
  • Free parking for up to one week at a time (this can be extended)
  • 40% discount from the Hub shops and café areas

Read more on the QE Hospital's website >>

Royal Victoria Infermary (RVI) and Freeman Hospital

  • A special "carer passport" card
  • The ability to access flexible visiting as agreed with the Nurse-in-Charge.
  • Carer's Information Pack

Read more on the RVI's website >>

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals

The hospitals listed below all offer a scheme known as the Carer Promise.

  • St. Nicholas Hospital
  • St. George's Park
  • Hopewood Park
  • Monkwearmouth Hospital
  • Northgate Hospital
  • Walkergate Park
  • Ferndene
  • Carleton Clinic

The Carer Promise recognised that, on occasion, carers will also need support for themselves. As part of the Carer Promise, you will be;

  • offered a Carer Card
  • asked how you want to be involved in the care of the person you care for and what practical measures can be put in place to support this
  • given the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are experiencing in your caring role, with staff

Using the Carer Card will allow you to;

  • be easily identified as a carer
  • a 50% discount in the Trust Cafés when shown at the till
  • register a car for free parking at all CNTW Trust hospitals

Read the Carer Promise leaflet >>

Read the Carer Card leaflet >>

Manage Cookie Preferences