CHFT colleagues, Jo Scadden-Smith and David Britton, presented to MPs in Parliament last Tuesday about the importance of carers’ visitation rights in hospitals. The duo spoke about their work to launch the Trust's Keep Carers Caring campaign, and the impact it has had on the wellbeing of patients and carers in the Trust. 

They were invited by John's Campaign to speak before MPs ahead of the first hearing of a Private Members' Bill in support of policy change that, if passed, would legally entitle patients to have a carer with them at all times.

The five-minute verbal presentation was met with applause from cross-party MPs, with Care Minister, Helen Whately, praising CHFT's “phenomenal best practice". She said: "the whole health and care system should learn from the work happening at CHFT".

MP, Tracy Crouch, thanked CHFT for its work and said: "The value to those who care is immeasurable. Keep Carers Caring should be rolled out across the NHS."

Speech and Language Therapist, Jo Scadden-Smith, said: "It was a privilege to be able to speak on behalf of myself, my late mum, and all carers who need a voice. It's a moment I will reflect on, always."

Associate Director of Nursing (Medicine), David Britton, said: "Sharing our Keep Carers Caring campaign with MPs, alongside John's Campaign, was amazing. We clearly demonstrated the impact we have had, and continue to have at CHFT. I am so proud of what we have collectively achieved."