Carers’ week quest: be a part of something big

During Carers’ Week (9–15 June 2014) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people who have been a carer for someone with a progressive medical condition  which is unlikely to be cured to help improve patients’ experience by completing a major all-island survey of care experiences.

The 'Let’s Talk About' survey is the first of its kind and continues until the end of January 2015. It is being led by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) with support from the PHA and Health Service Executive (HSE) in the Republic of Ireland.

AIIHPC Director Paddie Blaney urged people to take part and help to improve experiences of care:“The survey is aimed at people living with a serious or progressive medical condition from which they are unlikely to be cured, and the people who have cared for them.”

“We are looking for people to be honest and specific, telling both their good and bad experiences of care. Each story is valuable, hundreds of stories and more will be powerful.”

The survey can be completed online at www.letstalk-about.org

PHA Allied Health Professions Consultant Corrina Grimes said she hoped the public focus of Carers Week would help to drive responses.

“In Northern Ireland there are almost 214,000 people looking after a relative or friend who needs their support, whether it be because of old age, a long-term health condition or disability. We would like to hear from them to try and improve how care and support is delivered because we know that the right help and support can have a positive impact on people with progressive medical conditions and their families.

“We hope that individuals will take the time to take part in this opportunity to share their experience. We will look carefully at the responses as they will provide a valuable insight into what improves the quality of life for people with progressive conditions and their carers. It will help inform how care and support is delivered across Northern Ireland in the future.”

Hard copies of the survey can also be received by calling 00 353 (0) 1 491 2948, or info@aiihpc.org. Responses are confidential and should take 15–20 minutes to complete.