MORE people in Dorset are playing a part in their loved ones’ hospital care thanks to a successful ‘passport’ scheme.

People 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.

Since the scheme was rolled out across all 12 of the county’s community hospitals last year, more than 50 people have taken advantage of the passport.

Gill Morris, from Branksome in Poole, is one of them.

She's been caring for her mother Betty for around four years after she was diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Last month, 90-year old Betty developed an abscess in her mouth which left her exhausted and unable to walk. She was admitted to the Guernsey Ward at Alderney Hospital in Poole, but rather than Jill having to step aside to let staff look after her, she has been involved in every stage of her care.

“The Carers’ Passport has been fantastic for me and my mum,” said Gill. “When she was first admitted, experts told us she may never walk again, and we should be considering placing her in a care home. But now she has been discharged and has made a good recovery.

“I believe having regular access to her outside normal visiting hours to carry out simple tasks like washing her before bed, emptying her catheter and simply being on hand to relay information or sit by her side is the main reason behind this.”

The simple idea also makes a huge difference to the care nursing staff can provide. Carers can often give inside knowledge, which helps staff meet the individual’s needs more effectively.

Guernsey Ward Staff Nurse Sarah Fincher, who has been supporting Gill in looking after Betty, said the passport: "Frees up our time and patients feel so much happier knowing those close to them are involved at all times – maintaining routine is vital.”

Dorset has an estimated 83,000 unpaid carers.