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01761 431388

DATE With Carers

Left to Right: Sandie Waite, Discharge Liaison Nurse, Jen Powell, Occupational Therapist, Sarah Dagger, Discharge Liaison Nurse, Cerys Forester, Social Worker, Dr Chris Dyer Consultant Geriatrician, Matt Brindley, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Sue Vost, Discharge Team Manager, Helen Brewer, Physiotherapist, Mary Lewis, Deputy Director of Nursing - Medicine, Valerie Brandling, carer, Tessa Newman, carer and Pippa Hawkins, carer.

Senior medical teams from the Royal United Hospital in Bath have met with carers from the region to ask for input into the development of a new service. The Discharge and Therapeutic Evaulation Service, known as DATE, aims to improve the journey from hospital admission to discharge for all patients.

The DATE With Carers event was organised by the Carers’ Centre Bath and North East Somerset and brought 20 key RUH staff, including Consultant Geriatrician Dr Chris Dyer, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Ward Managers, Senior Pharmacists and Nurses together with 15 carers, all of whom care for someone with long term health problems.

“The aim of the event was to develop understanding between carers and medical teams and reduce patient readmissions due to carers being unable to cope once a patient is discharged,” explained Neil Drinkwater from the Carers’ Centre. “This was an event totally led by carers who gave presentations about their experiences to staff from the RUH.”

"It was a unique opportunity for carers to explore ideas, give feedback and provide constructive criticism,” said Ian Dagger, who cares for a son with mental health issues. “We all felt recognition that our voices were being heard; events like this put carers and the caring role at the top of the agenda, as well as improving services.”

Dr Chris Dyer added: “The event was a fantastic and moving experience; I wish all RUH staff could have heard the powerful messages coming through from carers. We are committed to take action on the key points raised, such as indentifying those people that are carers of patients and involving them more in hospital care, discharge planning and medication. We would like to thank every carer that attended the event for their valuable contribution.”

If you are a carer and would like more information on how to get involved with the Carers’ Centre, contact 01761 431388.