Cornwall Carers Service
Carers Passport
Hospital support for unpaid carers in Cornwall
Supporting carers while their loved one is in hospital
If the person you care for is admitted to hospital in Cornwall, you can get a Carers Passport that recognises your vital role and gives you access to practical support during their stay.
We know that hospital admissions can be stressful and exhausting for carers. The uncertainty, the travel, the worry – it all adds up. The Carers Passport is here to make things a bit easier for you during what's already a challenging time.
What is the Carers Passport?
The Carers Passport is given to identified carers of inpatients at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT).
It's a way of showing that you're actively contributing to the care of your loved one while they're on the ward. The passport sets out what support you're able or willing to provide during their hospital admission, helping staff understand your role as a partner in care.
When the person you care for is in hospital
We understand that having someone you care for in hospital can be a stressful and exhausting time.
Caring responsibilities don’t stop when a loved one becomes an inpatient — in fact, anxiety and strain can increase during hospital stays. That’s why we’re here to support you in your caring role.
Ask ward staff for updates, guidance or to speak with the healthcare professionals involved in your loved one’s care.
Accessing information about diagnosis and treatment can help reduce uncertainty and worry.
The Carers Policy is in place to support you — speak to ward staff about working in partnership to ensure your loved one receives the best care.
Benefits of the Carers Passport
The Carer Passport recognises your role in supporting a loved one during their hospital stay and outlines the care you're able or willing to provide on the ward.
As a Carer Passport holder, you may be entitled to:
Flexible visiting hours
Regular Hot or Cold drinks
Free car parking (where applicable)
Meal/drink vouchers for hospital restaurants or pod may be provided
Important to know:
The passport is issues at the ward’s discretion
It’s only valid during the current hospital stay
It works alongside your Emergency Carers Card (ECC) to help access these benefits.
Speak to ward staff to find out more or to request a Carer Passport
