Triangle of Care  

We are fully committed to the Triangle of Care, a self-assessment tool for service providers developed by the Carers’ Trust. It’s based on the principle that care is improved by having good working relationships between the service user, the mental health professional and the carer. 

It helps services think about how they can engage and support carers more effectively, and promote a ‘carer aware’ culture on our hospital wards and in our teams. This means that: 

  • carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter 

  • our staff are ’carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies. 

  • we follow policy and practice protocols around confidentiality and sharing information  

  • we have defined posts responsible for carers  

  • a carer introduction to services and staff is available  

  • we provide a range of carer support services. 

All our staff have carer awareness training delivered in partnership with people who have lived experience. 

Expert by Experience  and carer peer specialist Joy Ford said: “Over my time of being involved​​​​​​​ with​​​​​​​ the Triangle of Care, I have seen the way things have changed for the family and carers. Staff are far more aware of the knowledge a carer carries about the patient, and how they may help. Also speaking to carers many feel listened to more and valued by staff, they are sign posted to farther help and support even in these difficult times. 

 Fellow Expert by Experience Trish McLennan added:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“The training gives staff a valuable insight into some of the difficulties that carers face. People say it makes them understand the importance of carers and the perspective they bring.” 

For more information, email dhc.triangleofcare@nhs.net. 

You can share your experience of how well the Triangle of Care works at Dorset HealthCare by completing a short questionnaire (an easy read version is also available). 

Carer's Passports in our hospitals 

 Hospitals across Dorset recognise the vital role that carers play in the health and wellbeing of those they care for, and we want to support and work with carers to ensure a smooth patient and carer experience in hospital.     

To aid that, we run a Carer’s Passport scheme to welcome, involve and support carers when people are admitted to hospital, while also helping our staff to understand the needs of the cared-for person throughout their hospital stay.    

  The Carer’s Passport scheme offers: 

  • flexibility with visiting times          
  • inclusion in care
  • inclusion to assist at mealtimes 
  • involvement in discussing and planning for hospital discharge 
  • access to information about patient care (with relevant consent). 

“Getting the message across to the medical specialists about someone’s particular needs and wants is so important. I’m not a medical professional but I am a reasonable expert in my own wife” – Mark, carer. 

“Knowing who the carer is for our patients is so important, as they know their loved ones best. The Carer’s Passport shows patients and their carers that we value their knowledge and experience, and want to work with them throughout their stay and subsequent discharge. It enables carers to be fully involved in all aspects of the patient’s journey, and helps staff have a greater understanding of that patient’s individual needs.” – Ali Low, Matron of Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury, and Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne.

To obtain a Carer’s Passport at one of our hospitals, please speak to staff on the ward.  

 ​​​​Dorset County Hospital and University Hospitals Dorset also offer Carer’s Passport schemes – visit their websites for more information.  

Confidentiality 

We have a legal duty to keep information about our patients strictly confidential. If the patient is willing to give consent, we can share information with family members and other carers. But even if consent to share information is not given, you can still talk to staff about the general wellbeing of the patient and the issues affecting their health. 

Carers can be given general information on: 

  • the diagnosis 

  • symptoms and behaviours that are likely to occur, and how best to support the person. 

Carers are helped to understand: 

  • the current situation 

  • any confidentiality restrictions requested by the person they are caring for 

  • the role of each professional involved. 

Carers have: 

  • the opportunity to see a professional on their own 

  • the right to their own confidentiality when talking to a professional 

  • the right to voice their views or any concerns they may have. 

Working with carers, we have produced a good practice guide called Common-sense confidentiality. To obtain a copy, please email dhc.carer.support@nhs.net. 

In partnership with Bournemouth University and local carers, we have also created the below video which you may find useful.