Carers Information
If you look after a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help, you may be an unpaid carer. Please let us know so we can record this on your patient record and add you to our Carer’s Register.
Being identified as a carer helps us understand your circumstances and consider your caring responsibilities when supporting your health and wellbeing. It can also help us signpost you to relevant support and services.
What is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid help or support to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without that help because of illness, disability, frailty, mental health needs, addiction, or a long-term condition. This includes young carers.
Why tell your GP practice?
Telling us that you are a carer means we can record your caring role on your medical record and consider what support may help you. Practices often use this information to offer more appropriate support and to signpost carers to local services.
Depending on practice arrangements, support may include:
Flexible appointments where available.
Help with repeat prescriptions where appropriate.
Invitation to flu vaccination or other preventive support where eligible.
Health and wellbeing support, including signposting to local carers’ services.
Important information
You do not need to provide formal proof that you are a carer to tell us about your caring role. Registering as a carer helps us recognise your circumstances, but it does not automatically give you access to the medical records of the person you care for.
If the person you care for is registered at a different GP practice, you can still tell us about your caring role so this can be recorded on your own record. You may also wish to inform the other person’s practice, where relevant.
How to join our Carer’s Register
To join our Carer’s Register, download and complete the form (this is being updated and will be published imminently).
Return options:
- Email: gp.g82028@nhs.net (Subject: Carer Registration)
- Hand in at reception
- Post to: Swanley Medical Practice, The Cedars Site, 26 Swanley Centre, Swanley BR8 7AH
We’ll update your record on receipt and contact you if needed.