A regional initiative to strengthen support for unpaid carers goes live today, Monday, 27th July.

A new Carer Flag is being introduced within the Yorkshire & Humber Care Record (YHCR). This will indicate when a patient is an unpaid carer for someone else who may need additional help if the carer is admitted to, or conveyed to, hospital. This is a regional initiative to strengthen support for unpaid carers.

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care or support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness (physical or mental), or who need support in later life due to frailty, and they could not manage without that care or support.

Why this matters

  • Many people admitted to hospital are also unpaid carers.
  • If a carer is unexpectedly taken into hospital, the person they care for may be left without essential support.
  • Having clear, visible information helps clinicians act quickly to ensure contingency plans are in place for the cared-for person.

What clinicians need to know

  • The Carer Flag will appear in the YHCR when a patient (who is also an unpaid carer) has created and uploaded their carer contingency plan to their NHS record.
  • The carer contingency plan will also be available to view and download from YHCR.
  • It will include details about the person the carer supports, as well as any alternative carers who can provide essential support if needed.

Please see the attachment below which shows how the flag and contingency plan will appear within the YHCR.

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