We’re delighted to share that South Grange Medical Group in Middlesbrough and Redcar has achieved Carer Friendly GP status, joining the growing number of GP practices across South Tees committed to recognising and supporting unpaid carers.
Working closely with Susan Lee, Primary Care Co-ordinator from Teesside Mind, South Grange has identified an additional 240 carers since starting on their carer friendly status journey, bringing their total registered carers to 642.
This achievement involved a thorough data review of all patients - a process the practice plans to repeat regularly to ensure carers continue to be identified and supported.
Susan Lee explains:
"Becoming Carer Friendly doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s far more than a tick-box exercise. GP surgeries need a genuine commitment to supporting carers, and that requires the involvement of the whole team. My role is to ensure they feel fully supported throughout the process, helping staff identify hidden carers, put effective systems and processes in place, and know where to signpost people for additional support outside the practice. South Grange is a fantastic example of this approach working really well."
How South Grange Supports Carers
Flexible appointments & accessibility
- Reception staff consider carers’ needs when booking appointments, offering flexibility for both the carer and the person they care for.
- Double appointments are available for carers who accompany the person they care for.
- Carers can arrange appointments and order prescriptions online for the person they care for through proxy online registration.
Encouraging carer registration
- Patients can register as informal carers via a form available online or at the reception desk. This information is recorded in their electronic medical record to ensure they receive the support they need.
Accessible and up-to-date information
- A dedicated Carers Support section on the practice website provides guidance on registering as a carer and information on support services and resources.
- Carers can also access information about upcoming events via social media and posters in the practice.
In-practice support
- Two dedicated Carer Ambassadors, Julie and Aleisha, are available to support carers in the practice.
- Carers are encouraged to have flu vaccines, COVID boosters, and regular health checks.
- The practice’s Social Prescriber helps carers access additional support and services.
Raising awareness & building a carer-friendly culture
- All staff have completed Carer Awareness training, learning to recognise different types of carers.
- Training has improved staff confidence in engaging with carers and increased awareness of local support services for patients and staff who may also be carers themselves.
Karen Brain, Practice Manager, says:
“Following the identification of more patients as unpaid carers it means improved access to support services, tailored health checks, and better recognition of their needs, potentially improving their physical and mental well-being. For the practice, following the training, staff have an increased awareness, empathy and understanding for carers and the support available, which we hope can lead to increased patient satisfaction and overall improved care.”
The Carer Friendly GP initiative, funded by Redcar & Cleveland and Middlesbrough local authorities and the NHS Integrated Care Board, is part of the Carers Strategy for South Tees. It encourages GP practices to use NHS England’s Carers Quality Markers, a practical framework developed with input from carers, healthcare staff and national bodies to better identify and support unpaid carers.
Although the CQC doesn’t label practices as “Carer Friendly” it does expect them to have systems and a culture in place that actively recognise and support carers. Using the Quality Markers can help demonstrate this and strengthen a practice’s CQC evidence.
Susan Lee adds:
" We’re seeing more surgeries get on board, but there’s still work to be done. I strongly encourage GP practices to take up the support available. Recognising and supporting unpaid carers is urgent and makes a real difference to their mental health and wellbeing."
GP surgeries interested in learning more can contact Susan Lee at
Email: susan.lee@teessidemind.org.uk
Phone: 01642 257020 or 07543 309039
