22 January 2020

CNWL has signed up to the Triangle of Care Scheme, run jointly by the Carers’ Trust and the Royal College of Nursing.

The scheme sets out how carers, patients and staff should work together to promote safety and recovery and to sustain wellbeing by including and supporting carers.

All services (starting with inpatient mental health services in 2020) will complete a self-assessment questionnaire in partnership with carers and patients and use the assessment to make changes locally. 

The self-assessment has six standards:

  • Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter.
  • Staff are trained in carer engagement strategies.
  • Policy and practice protocols about confidentiality and sharing information are in place.
  • Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place, such as carers champions.
  • A carer introduction to the service and staff is available, with a relevant range of information.
  • A range of carer support services are available

Last year the Trust launched its Patient, Carer and Public Involvement strategy which outlines what CNWL is already doing in partnership with patients and carers and sets out the plans until 2023.

Lucy Palmer, Head of Patient and Carer Involvement, said, “There’s some excellent carer and family involvement taking place in CNWL already but staff, patients and carers tell us that more could be done. Carers are experts in their loved one’s health and have valuable insight to bring to clinical conversations. Carers also deserve support of their own and staff can play a key role in signposting them to carers assessments, information and help.

Involving, informing and supporting carers can improve outcomes for patients and can improve staff experience too. We will be providing written information and training delivered by carers and staff to include carer awareness, scenarios on confidentiality and tips on involving carers in care. We are adopting a train the trainer approach which means services run the scheme locally to best fit their needs, with guidance from the central team where needed.

More information is on the Carers’ Trust website