Hull MP sponsors Bill to support work of carers

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has sponsored a Parliamentary Bill that would ensure that GPs and schools identify carers and young carers.

The Carers (Identification and Support) Bill would make sure that GPs would recognise where a person is a carer and take their needs into account. The Bill would also require schools and local authorities to have written policies to support young carers. It would place a duty on social services authorities to offer support to families where the adult relies on the caring role of his or her child.

Diana Johnson MP said: "More than in one five carers are caring for more than 50 hours per week. Caring at this level takes a toll on the health of the carers, who are twice as likely to suffer ill health as other carers.

"Those caring for someone suffering from dementia or stroke disease are even more at risk of increased ill-health. It is vital that GPs identify all such carers and offer them health checks, advice and other support.

"There has been some progress on GPs identifying carers. The Royal College of GPs and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers have produced an 'Action Guide' on supporting carers for GPs and their teams. However, one of the crucial factors for success in this work is to have a lead GP on carer's support in each practice. It will also help if there was a requirement on GPs to undertake this work as currently the work being done by GPs is inconsistent and carers are being missed.

"Young carers are the most hidden group of carers and it can lead to them missing out on their education and being misunderstood by teachers. All schools should have a written policy to identify and support carers and should nominate a lead on young carers' issues. Social Services in local authorities need to consider what support is needed in families where the parent would otherwise rely on the caring role of his or her child."

"The Carers (identification and Support) Bill would improve quality of life for carers and young carers because their health and other needs would be considered by professionals, as well as the needs of the person they care for."

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