A NEW scheme which is helping carers and families of patients at Airedale Hospital is proving a huge success.

‘Carer navigators’ are now working in the Steeton hospital – and at Bradford Royal Infirmary – to offer support.

Two workers have been placed by the charity Carers’ Resource at each of the hospitals, and will be on-site seven days a week.

The initiative is being staged in partnership with the two health trusts and Bradford Council.

As part of their role, the navigators are helping to raise awareness of the support available to carers and families and their entitlements, attending meetings – such as reviews and assessments – with them, pointing them to other services and providing information about the assistance available to patients following discharge.

Martin Welton, team leader on the intermediate care unit at Airedale Hospital, welcomes the venture.

“It’s already been successful and a huge help to patients’ families,” he said.

“It is great to strengthen our links with Carers’ Resource and the carer navigators.”

A navigator at the hospital, Amy Brotherton, has spoken of how the scheme helped one carer.

The carer’s mum had been admitted with sickness and infection and was waiting for a dementia diagnosis.

After being put in touch by the hospital discharge team, Amy and the carer met-up in a hospital cafe.

“We discussed options and services to support both the carer and her mum after discharge,” said Amy.

“This included care within the home, residential services, emergency plans and the eligibility of them both to claim benefits.

“Having someone objective to speak to at such a vulnerable time meant the carer could make an informed decision about planning for her mum’s care.

“I also referred the carer to our locality team at Carers’ Resource, so she receives ongoing support after discharge.”

The carer later got in touch to voice thanks for the support.

Amy added: “It is good to be reminded of what is out there, and just to know that there is someone to turn to is so reassuring.”

Carers’ Resource supports 16,000 unpaid carers in Bradford district, and across the Harrogate and Skipton areas.