Guest blogger: Jane Cummings, a Macmillan Trustee and Chief Nursing Officer
On Tuesday I took part in an interactive panel discussion organised by Macmillan Cancer Support on improving the identification of carers.
As a former carer and as Chief Nursing Officer for England, I was delighted to speak about improving identification and support for people caring for family or friends with long-term conditions.
As a carer myself, when my husband was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently became terminally ill, I understand the issues carers can face. I did receive help and support but as a nurse, sometimes felt I should be able to cope without asking for it.
On Tuesday, Carers, NHS England, charities and health and social care professionals came together to discuss the issues and how we can all work together to find solutions. We heard from speakers including Helen, an inspirational lady who cares for her mum with cancer, and Debbie who leads a project in Glasgow where carers are routinely identified and are at the very centre of care. At the end of the event I pledged to listen more to carers and share examples of best practice.
At the event the following important new documents were launched:
Why it’s important we identify carers
Every one of us is likely to take on caring responsibilities at some time in our lives. Caring can have a substantial impact on a person’s mental and physical well being, and we know that carers will often neglect their own needs for others. Yet half of carers of people with cancer don’t receive any support despite the role having a substantial impact on their lives.
There are many reasons for this but a major one is that those who look after someone with cancer don’t see themselves as a carer. Carers are also not being regularly identified by health and social care professionals in primary and secondary care settings. Even though 70% of the UK’s 6.5 million carers of people with all conditions come into contact with professionals, just 1 in 10 are identified by them.
That shouldn’t be the case. As professionals, we need to make sure all carers feel comfortable in asking for help when needed, and that we know where to send them for support.
All NHS staff should feel confident to work with carers and Macmillan’s guidance can go a long way in helping with this. I encourage everyone in the health and care system working with people with long term conditions to make a firm commitment to recognising, valuing and supporting those who care for others. Only then will carers get the support they need and deserve.
What do you think needs to be done to improve identification and support for carers? Join in the conversation using #Macmillancares.
Jane Cummings
