A new outreach service dedicated to supporting carers has been launched in Fife.
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, in partnership with NHS Fife and the Fife Carers Centre, has worked on the initiative.
Focusing on the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, it has been introduced as a direct result of engaging face to face with 50 carers and patients.
The service is now available for anyone with caring responsibilities where the person they care for is currently in the Kirkcaldy hospital.
The service can be accessed at any point during a hospital admission and no appointment is necessary.
Sandra Morris, the hospital’s carer support worker, said: “I am here to offer support and information on issues affecting carers while someone is in hospital or after they leave.”
She said this could be helping to ensure the carer is adequately supported in their caring role or advice and assistance with welfare benefits.
Also included could be information on what other services may be available for the carer or the person they care for.
Or it could just be to provide a listening ear.
“My services can be requested through ward nurses, the discharge team or through the Fife Carers Centre.
“I can visit either on the ward or within the Carers and Patient Information Point, located just at the main entrance of the Victoria Hospital by reception,” she said.
Morna Fleming, the carers’ representative on the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership Board, said: “I very much welcome this new service for Fife.
“When a loved one is admitted to the Victoria hospital, the family and friends who care for them can have particular worries and questions not only about what they can do during the person’s stay, but what can happen after they leave the hospital bed.
“This initiative within the Victoria is a direct result of engaging with carers and is a positive example of partnership working.”
For more information call the Fife Carers Centre on 01592 205472.
