Moffat Programme

NHS Carer Information Strategies Learning and Sharing Event

3rd February 2010

Moffat Programme - Preventing Crisis for CarersProject Aim To create effective partnership working between the

NHS, social care staff, local carer centres and carers. By promoting early identification, intervention and support for carers, to prevent unnecessary crisis, this will ensure their proper support as key partners in the provision of care, and prevent an adverse effect on carers’ own health and well-being.

The Pilot Sites

The four NHS Board areas covered by the Moffat Pilots are:

• NHS Ayrshire and Arran• NHS Borders• NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde• NHS Lothian

Model • Hospital or community team based workers• Range of care groups including:

Physical disabilityMental healthOlder peoplePalliative care

Programme ObjectivesThe overall programme aims to ensure that:

• Carers are identified at their first point of contact with services • Carers are advised of their right to and offered a carer’s

assessment • Pressure on carers’ own health is reduced • Carers are consulted and actively involved in discharge

planning processes at an early stage • Health and social care professionals are able to provide

appropriate information and refer carers to local support services

Outcome

Learning will be embedded and become good practice within Health Boards and Local Authorities

Experience of Carers - Baseline

• 66% of respondents not asked if they were a carer during hospitalisation

• Only 14% were informed of their right to a Carer’s Assessment• Only 9% offered practical training in relation to the care

required for the condition of the cared for person during hospitalisation

• Only 15% of carers indicated receiving training post-discharge

Experience of Carers – Baseline Partners in Care

• Only 29% felt their expertise was fully or mostly recognised by service providers

• Only 27% felt care professionals understood their needs as carers

• Only 21% felt that health, social work and carers organisations worked together

Recognised as a Carer

• 60% identified as carers during hospital admission

• Key role played by Moffat Workers• Over 2,100 carers identified in 18 months

Years Caring

0

10

20

30

40

Less than1

1-5 6-10 10+ Missing

0

10

20

30

40

Hours of Care Per Week

Perc

enta

ge

Carers’ Assessments

• 71% of carers identified have been informed of their right to a carer’s assessment– though predominantly by a Moffat Worker

• Moffat Workers actively facilitated an assessment for 11% of the carers

Ways in which carers reported being involved in discharge planning

• Communication between carer and hospital staff• Review Meeting• Support requirements identified/recorded• Support requirements arranged• Advised of care package• Training provided on how to care

Health Conditions of Cared For

• Dementia – 23%• Stroke – 18%• Mental Illness – 16% • Cancer – 11%• Heart Disease – 10%

Services Provided by Moffat Workers

• Information• Emotional Support• Benefits/Finance Advice• Practical Support • Access to Training

Other Activities

• Training for health and social care staff• Attendance at meetings to develop carer pathways,

facilitate referrals and raise awareness of Moffat Programme

• Outreach sessions in hospitals and other carer awareness activities

• Mentoring of staff for Carers’ Assessments

“Working in hospitals has made a major difference to a lot of people. We can sit down with the relatives of those who have been diagnosed with various conditions in the early stages and advise them about what support they can get as a carer. This sets a lot of peoples’ minds at rest.”

(Moffat Worker)