new carer identification card COVID-19 has presented a number of challenges for everyone; but a new initiative by the NSLHD Carer Support Service is helping to open doors for those when they need it most.
The Carer Identification Card clearly identifies carers to staff, smoothing the path at what can often be a difficult time. One of those carers is Helen, whose husband is a long term burns patient at Royal North Shore Hospital. She says the ID has given her stress free movement between her carers’ accommodation in the Douglas Building to her husband’s bedside. “I think because of COVID the ID has made it a lot easier, they see this and I can go on my way,” Helen said. “Everyone across the board has been fantastic; I have nothing but praise for social work and Barbara [Lewis, Carer Support Manager] and all the staff in the hospital.” Helen said her husband’s hospitalisation was
Helen with her carer identification card
Northern Sydney Local Health District Child and Family Healh Services provides support and information at any time during parents breasfeeding journey. For more information visit: nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ CYFH/Pages/default.aspx challenging enough, without the advent of a greater Sydney lockdown, which means she cannot return home to the Hunter Valley, nor can anyone come and visit. Barbara said the simple initiative was delivering great benefits for carers, their loved ones and staff. “The ID is a small, but helpful way to identify carers and ensure they receive the support they need from all staff,” she said. “For someone like Helen, it allows her to move around in what is a challenging environment for visitors currently, but for staff it also identifies a person who
has intimate knowledge of the patient and their care needs. “Identifying Carers is not only important during these times, but all the time. “It is anticipated that this initiative will be ongoing to help our health service staff know who the carer is and provide the right engagement with them, throughout their journey, whether they are accessing hospitals for acute care of outpatient appointments. “I would encourage those who would like to know more about the ID, or any other ways they can support carers, to contact our team on 9462 9488.”
world breastfeeding week World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from 1-7 August. This year’s theme is ‘Protect breastfeeding: a
shared responsibility’ which is about how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health and wellbeing of all.
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 14 | 9 AUGUST 2021
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