A NEW scheme to help carers spend more time with their loved ones has been so successful it's being rolled out in 11 Dorset hospitals.

The Carer’s Passport’ system, gives people hospital access outside of regular visiting hours and provides extra support to patients as and when they need it.

Dorset HealthCare piloted the scheme at hospitals in Weymouth, Portland and St Leonards, near Ringwood, last year. Initially open to carers of people with dementia, it proved so successful it is now operating at all 11 community hospitals in the county and is open to anyone who cares for a relative, partner or friend with on-going physical or mental health problems.

Under the system, carers identify themselves on arrival at the hospital and are given a badge, or ‘passport’, which allows them to stay beyond regular visiting hours – providing reassurance and additional help for the person they are caring for.

Hospital staff welcome carers throughout the day and into the evening, though overnight stays will be at the discretion of ward nurses.

Alison Low, Senior Sister on the Fayrewood Ward at St Leonards Hospital, said: “It makes a huge difference to the care we can provide when we have inside knowledge of a patient from their loved one. It helps us to meet their individual needs more effectively, and also gives the patient additional support at what can be a difficult time.”

The carer’s passport idea was sparked by John’s Campaign, a national initiative founded in late 2014 following the death of dementia patient Dr John Gerrard.

His daughter Nicci faced restricted visiting access during his final days, and began campaigning for more access for carers, a move backed by NHS England.

Julia Jones, Co-founder of John’s Campaign, said: “It's thrilling to have all of Dorset HealthCare’s hospitals making this offer to carers, and we hope it will encourage more hospitals around the UK to get on board with our campaign.”

*.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk.