Carers' experience of accessing GP services
We've spoken to carers across the city about what it's like when they visit their GP. We've found some key areas where carers need more support - to look after their physical and mental wellbeing, to help them access wider resources, and more.
We know that carers can face additional barriers in accessing healthcare, and this can have an impact on their own health.
This year we spoke to 134 carers - including young carers and parent carers - about what happens when they visit their GP. They identified some areas of good practice, as well as some areas where action could be taken to support them and the person they care for more effectively.
Our recommendations to improve services
From our findings, we have identified some key areas where improvements can be made. These include:
- Identifying carers consistently
- Providing support and signposting to carers
- Clear information provision
- Flexible appointment options
- Particular attention to identifying and supporting young carers, and parent carers
- How to identify and meet the needs of carers, including their mental health needs
- Identifying good practice and gaps
- Developing the use of the NHS England Quality Markers in the City
- Paying particular attention to the impact that Covid-19 service changes have had on carers
Downloads
If you need these documents in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsheffield.co.uk or call 0114 253 6688.
