A Norfolk hospital has won an award for the support it gives to unpaid carers.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn received a Carer Friendly Tick Award from the Caring Together charity.
This highlights the hospital’s work to provide care and services to those who care for family members or friends who are patients with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or other complex needs.
Who gives the award?
Caring Together Charity, which supports unpaid carers across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Norfolk, is committed to ensuring carers do not feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsupported.
The Carer Friendly Tick Award recognises organisations that go above and beyond to identify, support, and empower carers within their workforce, community, and services.
What did the QEH do?
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital received the award after undergoing a thorough review by a panel of carers.
They praised the hospital’s wide-ranging initiatives for raising awareness and supporting carers.
These include:
- the creation of a strong network of carer champions.
- personalised carer agreements
- comprehensive staff training to ensure all carers feel valued and heard.
The panel’s feedback highlighted several areas of excellence, including the hospital’s efforts to raise awareness about carers, the creation of accessible, personalised resources, and the ongoing collaboration with organisations, including West Norfolk Carers, to improve carer support.
Reaction
The hospital’s Chief Nurse Pippa Street said: “At QEH, we understand the crucial role unpaid carers play in the lives of patients, and we are dedicated to ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, who consistently go the extra mile to provide a carer-friendly environment. We will continue to develop our services to meet the evolving needs of carers and enhance the quality of care for all.”
