Norwich mother and baby unit leads the way with Carer Friendly Tick Award
A Norwich hospital unit for women experiencing perinatal mental health problems has had its dedication to identifying and supporting unpaid carers recognised with the presentation of a Carer Friendly Tick Award.
Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), based at Hellesdon Hospital, has become the first ward at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) to be given the honour by Caring Together Charity.
Caring Together Charity, which supports unpaid carers across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, introduced the accreditation to empower employers, educational settings, healthcare services, and communities to showcase their commitment to being carer friendly.
Kingfisher MBU received the award after a thorough review by a panel of carers who praised the team's thorough and supportive job which will make all family members feel supported in what can be a very difficult and complex situation .
Stacey Mills, Perinatal Staff Nurse, said: "The MBU team are very proud that we have been able to successfully demonstrate our commitment of excellence by achieving the carer friendly tick award and we will work hard to continue to ensure that our carers are consistently supported, and that our service continues to evolve to meet the needs our of carers."
The panel's feedback read they were "very impressed" by the team's experienced carer leads who have a set amount of time dedicated to carers. They also praised the team for going "above and beyond" by attending the young carers forum.
Stacey added: "Engaging with families and carers is a central compound of the perinatal support delivered within the Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit.
"Carers provide essential support to our service users, and it is therefore crucial that their needs are identified and that appropriate support is offered, not only throughout admission and but also beyond discharge."
The award is free to apply for and remains valid for two years.
Cath Byford, Chief Patient Experience Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at NSFT, said: "Carers play an important role in the wellbeing and recovery of the people we support, and strengthening how our organisation works alongside them is central to our improvement journey.
"The Kingfisher MBU's achievement shows what can be accomplished when we listen to and involve families and carers as true partners. We're determined to see this approach embedded across all our services."
For more information, please visit: Carer Friendly Tick Award - Caring Together Charity