Carers Trust responds to the Government's findings and recommendations of the rapid review into data on patient safety in mental health inpatient pathways

The Government has today published its findings and recommendations based on its review into data on patient safety in inpatient mental health. It recommends the need to recognise the experience of, and involve, carers of patients within mental health.

Responding to the Government’s publication today of its findings and recommendations, Carers Trust’s Executive Director of Programmes, Policy and Impact, Rohati Chapman said:

“Carers of people with severe mental illnesses regularly report that they don’t feel recognised, listened to, or their role as carers valued by mental health services, and that this can take its toll on their own health and wellbeing. This is feedback we often hear through our network of around 130 local carer services.

“The Triangle of Care describes a relationship between the patient, staff member and carer that promotes safety, supports communication and sustains wellbeing.  It supports mental health services and others to demonstrate an organisation-wide commitment to carers, and improve their ability to listen to, involve, and support unpaid carers of all ages.

“Carers Trust welcomes the focus in the Government’s report on the clear need to improve the recognition and involvement of carers within mental health services, and the recommendation that all NHS-funded care providers should be following the standards set out in the Triangle of Care, and that the Care Quality Commission have a key role in ensuring services are complying with this. It is only by reaching a stage where all mental health trusts have adopted the Triangle of Care, that we can remove the current postcode lottery that carers face when it comes to recognition and support within health settings.”

More information on Triangle of Care

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For more information, contact: 

Matt Whitticase, Carers Trust's Head of Communications and Marketing, on mwhitticase@carers.org and 07824 539481 

About Carers Trust

Carers Trust is the UK charity working to transform the lives of unpaid carers across the UK.  It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness and influence policy.​ Carers Trust’s vision is that unpaid carers are heard and valued, with access to support, advice and resources to enable them to live fulfilled lives.