A NEW carer volunteer service designed to provide support and awareness for unpaid carers was launched in Chippenham this morning by MP Michelle Donelan.

The Chippenham MP was invited to the town's hospital to officially launch the service, which was created by the Wiltshire Health and Care Partnership and Carer Support Wiltshire.

The organisations hope that by introducing the service, which has been successfully trialled at the Royal United Bath, to the region's community hospitals, it will help to improve patient discharge and prevent future readmission to an acute hospital.

“Carers are the mainstay of our health and care system, it would simply collapse without the compassionate support of the thousands of unpaid carers in Wiltshire,” Carer Support Wiltshire’s chief executive Catharine Hurford, said.

“Early recognition and identification of carers is key to ensuring they receive the proper help and support they need to do this demanding role to the best of their ability. This work undertaken by many volunteers in the hospitals in and around Wiltshire is an important step in making sure Wiltshire supports carers well.”

Carer Support Wiltshire is also running a Time For Carers Appeal to help raise £25,000 for carers to have breaks to see friends or enjoy some quality free time.

Anne-Marie Nuth, ward manager at Chippenham Hospital, said: “The Carer Volunteers are a Godsend. They are able to spend the amount of time with the patients and their relatives to facilitate really worthwhile communication, discussion of issues and concerns and signposting to relevant services. We are very grateful for their support.”

For more information about the service, or how to join the team of Carer Volunteers please contact Jackie Maton, Carer Support Wiltshire on 01380 872129 or email jackie@carersinwiltshire.co.uk