Every day, thousands of unpaid carers look after their friends and families, providing invaluable support.
At ESNEFT, on Carers Rights Day 2025, we want the selfless individuals who help our patients, to know their legal rights and the support available to them. 
Our patient experience team will be hosting drop-in information sessions in the main entrance at Colchester Hospital and by the T-junction (near the south wards) at Ipswich Hospital, promoting the theme Know Your Rights – Use Your Rights, on Thursday 20 November (10am to 2pm).
The sessions will feature representatives from organisations and charities such as Healthwatch, the Alzheimer’s Society, Suffolk Family Carers and Essex Carers Support.
They will also provide information on such subjects as John’s Campaign (for dementia patients) – an initiative we support that recognises the vital role of carers in hospital settings and enables more flexible visiting arrangements.
ESNEFT is committed to placing carers at the heart of care – as partners, advocates and essential contributors to our patients’ experience and outcomes.
When carers are well-supported, everyone benefits: the person receiving care, the carer, and our health system.
ESNEFT Chief nurse, Catherine Morgan OBE, said: “Unpaid carers are the unsung backbone of our health and care system.
“On Carers Rights Day, we want every carer connected with ESNEFT to know: you matter, your role matters, and your rights matter.
“Please reach out—whether you are newly caring or have been doing so for many years—and let us help you access the support you are entitled to.”
As a carer, did you know?
- You have the right to be identified as a carer by your GP and by the Trust so that services and information can better support you.
- You have the right to a carers’ needs assessment (even if the person you care for does not have an assessment) to determine what support you might need.
- You have rights regarding discharge planning if the person you are caring for is admitted to hospital: you should be consulted and involved in the planning.
- You have rights to flexible working (if you are employed) and to access resources to help you balance caring with other aspects of life.
Please register as a carer with your GP and connect with our support teams at ESNEFT.
You can click here for more information.
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