 |
 |
 |
 |
Burstow backs Bill to improve carers health
March 28, 2006 12:00 AM
Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Burstow has added his support to a backbench bill that will greatly aid carers in the NHS. The Bill will address the 5.2 million carers but will focus on the 1 million carers who support a friend or family member for more than 50 hours a week by offering them physical and mental help.
The Identification and Support of Carers Bill, has two main objectives.
1) To help GP practices and primary health care teams identify the carers, this is not yet standard practice.
2) To require that carers are offered routine consultations and health checks and that this is done especially diligently for those carers known to have health problems.
Commenting on the Bill Paul Burstow said:
"This Bill is key to improving the help and support on offer to carers. It is a fact that carers are more likely to develop health problems than their peers; even carers as young as 16. As many as a quarter of people providing care for more than 50 hours are often not in good health themselves.
"Carers are the backbone of the health and social care system but have long been overlooked by the state. But many do not find time to care for themselves and fit GP appointments into their schedule. It is time that the NHS adapts to them as they themselves are an integral part of the NHS."
ENDS
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats