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As the Care Bill enters the House of Commons, Macmillan is asking Government to improve identification and support for people providing unpaid care to loved ones with cancer. |
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We’ve been speaking to MPs about Macmillan’s campaign and welcomed over 30 MPs to our recent parliamentary event last month. |
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Freya (our volunteer campaigns blogger) and her partner shared their story with MPs last week, alongside people affected by cancer, and their loved ones who support them. Check out more pictures and news from the event on twitter. |
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We’ve worked closely with former Care Services Minister and Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam Paul Burstow, during this campaign. Paul, who has been a long term supporter of Macmillan, has kindly written this blog on the issue. |
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Paul (right) speaking at our Macmillan Question Time earlier this autumn. |
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“Across the country today, almost a million people are selflessly caring for friends and family with cancer. “Their work is incredible and inspiring, and not only means the world to those they care for, but makes a massive contribution to our society. For far too long their role has been overlooked. It is why while I was Care Minister I made sure that the Care Bill enshrines new rights for carers in England. “The Bill puts carers at the centre of care – as equal partners in care planning who, for the first time, will have clear rights and entitlements to assessment and support. I am also pleased to say that following on from the recommendations of the Committee I chaired on the draft Bill, the legislation now makes clear that the wellbeing of carers is as important as those they care for. This parity of esteem for the wellbeing of carers marks an important shift. “These reforms mark a long-overdue recognition of the role of carers and the toll it too often takes on them. While this should be welcome news for the millions of carers across England, sadly there remain gaps in the legislation that must be addressed if all carers are to get the support they deserve. “Macmillan’s research shows that only 5% of people looking after a looked one with cancer have had a carer’s assessment. While the new rights for carers should help ensure that many more carers are assessed, often carers have contact with the NHS and very little with social services. “What’s more, too often the NHS overlooks the role of carers entirely – while over 70% of carers said they came into contact with GPs, doctors and nursing staff, only 11% of all carers say they have been identified as a carer by NHS staff. For the Bill to deliver for all carers, I have reached the conclusion that the NHS must also make identifying carers a priority. We cannot allow cancer carers, any carers, to fall through the gaps, and I will be working with colleagues in the Lords and Commons to ensure that this issue is not allowed to drop.” Paul Burstow MP If you’re interested in the Care Bill campaign and would like to support it, please share this blog on Facebook and Twitter using hashtag #doyoucare. |
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Read more news and updates on the Macmillan campaigns blog and follow us on twitter |
