Support for carers at UHS
Who is classed as a carer?
A carer is anyone who regularly helps a person close to them (for example, a relative, friend or neighbour) with their day-to-day life, because of illness, disability, mental health, age, substance misuse or gambling.
The support the carer offers may be practical or emotional but is always unpaid (benefits such as Carers Allowance do not count as payment).
How can we help you?
Southampton Carers Charter
At UHS, we are proud to display the Southampton Carers Charter, which describes our commitment to anyone who helps others by providing unpaid care and support. It explains the standards you can expect from our services and who to contact if things go wrong.
The Southampton Carers Charter has been developed by carers together with a range of local organisations. It is adapted from the Hampshire Carers Charter, which was co-designed by over 100 carers.
The Southampton Carers Charter is based around five core commitments:
- We help and support you as a person in your own right.
- We actively seek your knowledge and opinion and, where appropriate, recognise that you speak for the person you support.
- We listen, we keep you updated, and we consult with you when things change.
- We work in partnership with you to provide care and support.
- We value your voice and first-hand experience in shaping and improving our services.
Patient and family support hub
Our patient and family support hub provides a single point of contact for patients, families and unpaid carers who need additional support from UHS. Our team is made up of a number of permanent staff and volunteers.
Because all carers have different responsibilities and requirements, we aim to offer tailored support that is centred around your individual needs and preferences.
Contact us by sending an email to PFSH@uhs.nhs.uk.
Support in hospital
At UHS, we aim to help pave the way for carer support. We are proud to offer the following support to carers in our hospitals.
Carer meal vouchers
If you are staying overnight to provide care while the person you care for is an inpatient, you may be entitled to meal vouchers sponsored by Southampton Hospitals Charity. These vouchers are for use in our Feast restaurant on B level.
To see if you are eligible for the vouchers, please contact our patient and family support hub using the details at the end of this leaflet. If you are eligible, you can obtain one meal voucher per patient per day from nursing staff on the ward your loved one is being cared for on or from our patient and family support hub.
Carers' shower and changing facility
We recognise UHS is a place of care, expertise, and healing. However, it is also a place where life changes in profound ways for patients and those who stand beside them. Unpaid carers and loved ones, especially those supporting someone at the end of life, give so much of themselves. They offer comfort, presence, strength, and love often over long hours, difficult days, and emotional nights.
These new shower and dressing room facilities are a recognition of that quiet sacrifice. They are a statement that we see you, we value you, and your wellbeing matters too. Having a place to step away, even briefly, from the ward environment can make a meaningful difference. A space to gather your thoughts and to refresh. A place that offers dignity, privacy, and a moment of peace during what may be one of the most challenging times in someone’s life.
Following charitable funding from the League of Friends, we were able to make this dream a reality and are delighted to offer this for our 'unpaid' carers supporting someone here at UHS. If you would like to book to use the facilities within our patient and family support hub, B level, East Wing, Southampton General Hospital, please do not hesitate to call, email or visit the team.
Butterfly friend volunteer service
Butterfly friends are specially trained volunteers who provide emotional support and companionship to patients nearing the end of their lives and their families and friends. You can find out more about butterfly friends on their webpage.
If you would like a butterfly friend to be there for you or your loved one, please speak to our patient and family support hub team or a member of the healthcare team caring for your loved one.
Appointment companion service
If you are unable to attend an outpatient appointment at the hospital with the person you are caring for, our patient and family support hub offer an appointment companion service. As part of this service, the hub can arrange for a member of their team to accompany your loved one from any entrance at Southampton General Hospital to their appointment and then accompany them back to the same entrance.
Please note that the appointment companion will not attend the appointment. If you would like more information about this service or to book an appointment companion, contact our patient and family support hub.
Registering as a carer with your GP
It is important to register with your GP as a carer to make sure you receive health and care support. You may be entitled to:
- Free vaccinations.
- Flexibility around appointment times.
- Advice on your own health surrounding being a carer.
- Advice on how to look after the person you care for.
- Referrals for additional support.
- Home visits if you are unable to leave the person you care for.
- Double appointments with the person you care for.
And more…
Please visit Talking to your GP | Carers UK for further information on registering as a carer with your GP, and additional information and support.