• Biochemistry in Primary Care
• Clinical Updates
• General Biochemistry
• Endocrine investigations
• Toxicology and TDM
• Inherited Metabolic Disease

Patient details should be telephoned through to the GP Support Team (GPST) on 0117 2449283 or to the Operations Centre on 0117 4140700. Depending on the time of day the referral is being made.

What to expect when the person you care for is ready to come home

We know how important it is for the patients we work with to be in hospital for as little time as possible.

This helps to reduce the chance of secondary infection while allowing them to return to a familiar environment and complete any recovery they may need. 

Throughout a patient’s treatment they have an assessment of their needs, for instance what help they may need with washing, dressing and eating food. If it is clear they require support in other areas a physiotherapist or occupational therapist may be asked to assess the patient. These assessments will then form a picture of what (if any) support the patient may need when they go home. 

If the patient has not previously had support from care workers, a social worker will be asked to review their case, develop and request a care package. If the patient has previously had a care package, this may continue unchanged or may be altered depending on the patient’s level of need. The nurse in charge will be able to advise on this. There may be a cost involved in providing a care package to the person you care for and the social worker will speak with you about this.

We understand the importance of carer involvement throughout this time so we will endeavour to include carers throughout the assessments detailed above and in the development of the final care package. 

Carers are able to request involvement in any assessments on the ward and to be included in any final care package.  If you no longer feel able to care, or feel you are no longer able to care as much, it is important you tell the nursing staff or social worker involved.

If you would like to access support during this time please contact one of the carers liaison workers.

What you need to know about getting information about the person you care for

As a Carer of someone who is in hospital, you may need information about the person you care for, and staff may want to speak to you to gather information about the person whom you care for. However, the law makes it very clear that social services and healthcare authorities have a duty to protect an individual’s confidentiality. Staff will seek the patient’s consent before discussing any information with a carer. If the person is unable to give consent, then the Mental Capacity Act will be followed.

Mental Capacity Act (2005)
The Mental Capacity Act (2005) is a process designed to protect individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves. It covers anyone over the age of 16 and is in place because legally, no one can give consent for another adult, even if you are a family member.

If you care for someone who does not have capacity, there is a legal obligation that you are consulted about any decision that needs to be made, and that you are part of any best interest meeting that is held. Your opinion about any decision that needs to be made is valued, and will be taken into account when considering what action to take.

You can find out more about the Mental Capacity Act for Carers at www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/moneyandlegal/legal/Pages/MentalCapacityAct

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) is part of the Mental Capacity Act and aims to protect an individual’s rights if they are unable to look after themselves.  They ensure that any restrictions placed on someone’s liberties in hospital, care homes or supported housing are done so lawfully, in the least restrictive way possible and with the person’s best interests in mind. The Alzheimer’s Society has some helpful information about DoLS.

The Carers Emergency Card is a free service for carers who live with the person they care for or visit them regularly at their home.

Carry this card in your purse or wallet as it identifies you as a carer, shows your name, a unique identification number and an emergency telephone number. If you have an accident/emergency or taken seriously ill, the card can be used to alert a 24 hours Emergency Call Centre that the person you care for needs help. 

If the person you care for lives within the South Gloucestershire Council area please contact Carers Support Centre on 0117 9652200 or email carersline@carerssupportcenttre.org.uk

If the person you care for lives within the Bristol City Council area please contact Care Direct on 0117 9222700 or email adult.care@bristol.gov.uk.

There are some added benefits to the Carers Emergency Card including discounts in shops and cafes, on therapies or attractions. You can find more information about what benefits are included with the Carers Emergency Card at www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk/our-services/carers-emergency-card/card-benefit-scheme or if you would like to speak to someone please contact CarersLine on 0117 9652200.

Carers have a valuable role to play in the care of our patients

When someone you care for needs to go into hospital it can be a worrying and stressful. Carers will have individual circumstances and variable skills that need to be taken account of when planning patient care. Please discuss your individual situation with the ward staff.

If you are admitted to Hospital

There may be times when you need to go into hospital. If possible, it is best to plan ahead so arrangements are put in place so the person you care for can continue to receive support.
If the person you care for lives in Bristol please call Care Direct on 0117 922 2700
If they live in South Gloucestershire please call the adult care team at South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 868007.

If you need to go into hospital in an emergency out-of-hours you can access support through the Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615 165 who cover South Gloucestershire and Bristol. 

The carers emergency card can also provide emergency care to the person you care for in emergencies. 

View an information leaflet from Carers Support Centre on the support for carers through GP practices and in hospital.

Carer Liaison Service - One to one support for you in hospital

Carer Liaison Workers are based at Southmead Hospital and can provide help, support and advice to carers through their hospital journey as a carer and/or patient, working directly on hospital wards and signposting to other services for support. They can liaise between the discharge team, ward staff and carers and their family, to help with any concerns or worries. 

The Carers Support Scheme

If you are a Carer who spends a minimum of three hours per day or 20 hours or more over a seven day period, in hospital providing support to a patient you may be eligible for the Carers Support Scheme.

The Carers Support Scheme recognises the vital role that unpaid Carers play in supporting both patient and ward staff whilst in hospital.
Through the scheme, Carers are entitled to:

• Access to staff restaurant – Carers can request an access pass to allow them to use the staff restaurant.
• Complementary Parking for the duration of the stay in hospital
• Support to stay overnight on a fold out bed or reclining chair
• Referral to the cares Liaison Support team

The care and support you may be providing could include; washing and dressing, feeding, falls prevention, reducing anxiety, emotional support and end of life care.

If you think you might be eligible speak to a member of staff on the ward who will be able to make an application for you. 

We are aware, however, that some carers do not wish to continue caring when the person they care for is in hospital and some carers choose to use this time as a period of respite. We will support carers with their choice.

Do you look after someone who could not manage without that support?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to another person who could not manage without their help. A carer may be a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour. A carer is not necessarily the closest relative of a patient or their next of kin. Carers can be of all ages and situations; many balance their caring role with work, training and childcare; many care for someone who does not live in the same house and may travel some distance to care. 

A carer often does not realise they are a carer and can struggle to tell someone they are finding it difficult to cope. 

View an information leaflet on the help that's available to you from Carers Support Centre.

Your right to an assessment of your needs

A carers’ assessment is an assessment of the carers’ needs and considers not only what care the carer provides, but also the physical and psychological impact it has on them. 

The assessment also looks at what help and support the carer is entitled to so that they can better continue in their caring role. 

You can find more information at www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/what-is-social-care

The Carers Emergency Card can ensure the safety of the person you care for if you have an accident or emergency. 

The main Audiology centres are based at St Michael's Hospital and Gate 36, Level 1, Brunel building, Southmead Hospital Bristol, where the following services can be found:

• Comprehensive hearing assessments and digital hearing aid fittings for adults (aged 16+)
• Comprehensive diagnostic investigations and balance assessments for adults and children
• Hearing and tinnitus therapy for adults
• Balance (vestibular) rehabilitation for adults and children
• Maintenance and repair of hearing aids

We also have a number of satellite clinics that offer hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, hearing aid repairs and hearing therapy.

Information about research and clinical trials

• A search tool to find out about clinical trials: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Clinical-trials/Pages/clinical-trial
• Find out about the latest research news: www.musculardystrophyuk.org/progress-in-research/news
• National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network

Opportunities for research funding

• www.musculardystrophyuk.org/progress-in-research

The South West Neuromuscular Operational Delivery Network (SWNODN) aims to provide health and social care professionals in the South West with a world-class level of knowledge, support and training for working with people with rare neuromuscular conditions.  This will ensure that patients have the best possible care and experience from NHS Services across specialities and are able to access the appropriate support closer to where they live to better manage their condition. 

The SWNODN run a number of events around the region with the remit of sharing best practice and ensuring healthcare professionals are confident when working with individuals with neuromuscular conditions.   

If you are one of the many professionals who work with people with a neuromuscular condition, please ensure you get to hear about our work and events by joining our professionals mailing list (it’s free!).  To join the mailing list, please email: swneuromuscularodn@nbt.nhs.uk