Llanelli hospital ward invests in carers

Bryngolau Ward in Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli has become the first hospital setting in Carmarthenshire to achieve the Investors in Carers Bronze level award.
The award recognises the excellent work undertaken by the ward in making sure that family and friends of patients recognise themselves as carers.
The scheme is designed to help health facilities such as GP practices and hospitals focus on and improve their carer awareness and enhance the help and support they give carers.
A wide range of information and advice is available for carers and ward staff have worked hard to ensure family members of patients understand how to get support that can make all the difference for them and the person they care for.
In presenting the certificate Hywel Dda UHB Chair and Carers Champion Bernardine Rees OBE said: “I am delighted that staff have demonstrated such a clear commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of carers. The work of the ward in this area is helping the community better understand the important role undertaken by carers of older people living with mental ill health.”
Sister Katherine Stroud was delighted to receive the award, which raises the profile of The Investors in Carers (IiC) scheme: “As a ward we understand the importance of supporting carers when their loved one is admitted.
“Over the past two years we have really focused on making sure carers are aware of the help and guidance that is available to them including informing them that they can register themselves as a carer with their GP.
“We feel this is the beginning of the work that is required to support carers and we will continue to be proactive in giving guidance and help to those in need.”
A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.
For more information about the support available to carers and the Investors in Carers scheme please visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Photo: Left to right - Libby Ryan-Davies, Interim Director Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, Hywel Dda UHB Chair Bernardine Rees OBE, Sister Katherine Stroud and Hywel Dda UHB Vice Chair Sian-Marie James.