Landmark inclusion for carers services

Under new plans released today carers services are to be among the government's top priorities for the NHS.

The NHS Operating Framework sets out key priorities for the NHS, and has included services for carers for the first time.

One key component stems from the recent National Carers' Strategy which gave the NHS 150m to provide emergency and planned respite breaks for carers. Carers will benefit from this and the commitment that, if eligible, they will get a personal budget to choose how they want to take a break.

Elsewhere, the Framework says there should be a drive to increase the quality of life of carers of people with dementia.

The focus on improving information for carers as well as patients will mean carers will not feel excluded and ignored, and will be better prepared to care for their loved ones.

Carole Cochrane, Chief Executive at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, welcomed the landmark inclusion of carers: "We are delighted that after much campaigning from ourselves and other carers' groups, services for carers has been included in the NHS Operating Framework's list of priorities.

"We are particularly keen that the 150m that will be given to the NHS to provide breaks for carers will be used in consultation with carers and local carers' centres, not just local authorities and will be working on this.

"We hope this inclusion will signal a shift in NHS culture so that carers are treated as real partners in care, and not just people who have to pick up the mantle after a discharge."

Read the full document:
The NHS in England: The operating framework for 2009/10