NHS Trust Recognised For Supporting Carers Across Isle Of Wight

An NHS trust covering the Isle of Wight has been recognised for its work supporting and involving unpaid carers.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received a Triangle of Care Star 1 Accreditation from Carers Trust.

The programme recognises health services which work in partnership with carers, helping to ensure they are identified, listened to and supported throughout someone's care.

The accreditation follows an independent review carried out by Carers Trust in June.

It comes after the merger of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Solent NHS Trust and Isle of Wight community mental health services.

The Portsmouth and Isle of Wight teams formally received the accreditation on July 13.

Reviewers praised the Trust's commitment to carers, its governance arrangements and dedicated carer support roles.

They also highlighted its partnerships with local carers' organisations and the involvement of carers in developing services.

The review found that support for carers is embedded throughout the Trust's governance, engagement and clinical services.

Dr Lesley Stevens, Chief Quality and Engagement Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said the accreditation recognised the “dedication” of staff across Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

She said carers play a “vital role” in supporting people who use health services.

The Trust says it will now focus on improving support for young carers and carers from underrepresented communities.

It also plans to strengthen staff training, improve how carers are identified and recorded, and make sure carers' experiences continue to influence how services are delivered.

The Triangle of Care programme is designed to promote better partnership between health services, people receiving care and their carers.