Newlands Medical Centre has become the first GP practice in Middlesbrough – and only the second in South Tees – to achieve Carer Friendly status, marking a significant milestone in supporting unpaid carers across the region.
The accreditation comes after the practice successfully completed a set of six NHS ‘quality marker’ questions designed to assess how GP practices identify and support unpaid carers. These questions were developed through consultation with unpaid carers, carer organisations, and healthcare professionals, and are intended to promote consistent, effective carer support across primary care.
Susan Lee, Primary Care Co-ordinator for South Tees at Teesside Mind, has been working closely with practices across the region to offer carer awareness training and guidance through the quality marker process.
The quality markers are a brilliant tool,” said Susan. “They encourage practices to reflect on the support they offer to unpaid carers and to make sure they’re doing everything possible to recognise and help them. I’m thrilled that Newlands Medical Centre is leading the way in Middlesbrough.”
The six quality markers prompt GP practices to look at how they identify carers, support them within the practice, and signpost them to appropriate local services. These markers are grounded in what many practices are already doing, such as maintaining an up-to-date carers register and working collaboratively with community organisations.
“Unpaid carers often face social isolation, financial pressures, and don’t always know where to turn for support,” Susan explained. “By identifying them early and linking them with local services like Carers Together, The Junction Foundation, and the Carers Outreach Service at Teesside Mind, practices can make a real difference.”
Photograph shows Primary Care Coordinator, Susan Lee (front second from left) presenting Carer Friendly accreditation to Dr Jacqui Grainger (front first left) along with Care Coordinator, Suzanne Moulton (front third from left) and other healthcare professionals.
The recognition of Newlands Medical Centre as a Carer Friendly practice reflects its commitment to this ethos. Suzanne Moulton, Patient Co-ordinator at the practice, emphasised the importance of valuing and supporting unpaid carers:
“We value every one of our 9,738 patients here at Newlands Practice,” Suzanne said. “The 580 unpaid carers we have are held in high esteem by us. We want to ensure that we can provide all our unpaid carers with the very best support we can – whether they’re patients or staff members. We really appreciate the many local voluntary organisations that help us do this.”
Becoming a Carer Friendly practice does take time and dedication, but Susan is keen to stress the support available:
“There’s a lot of guidance and help available at every stage,” she said. “Practices are often surprised at how much they’re already doing. It’s just a case of evidencing it and being open to making further improvements where needed.”
Newlands’ achievement sends a clear message: identifying and supporting unpaid carers is vital, possible, and well worth the effort.
“I’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone involved in making Newlands a Carer Friendly GP practice,” Susan added. “It’s a fantastic step forward for carers in our area.”
This work follows on from the success of The Green House Surgery in securing the position of being the first GP surgery in South Tees to achieve Carer Friendly GP status. Find out more here.
Find out more about this service by connecting with Teesside Mind- www.teessidemind.org.uk
