New card scheme aids carers
Published Date:
13 November 2008
WHEN Frank Hughes was taken ill and needed emergency hospital treatment in the middle of the night, his first concern was for his wife, Patricia.
For Frank, aged 66, is her full-time carer as Patricia is disabled and confined to bed at their home in Widdrington Station.
But thanks to the help of a neighbour and a new scheme recently introduced for carers across Northumberland, 65-year-old Patricia continued to receive the care she needed during her husband's time in hospital.
The Emergency Card scheme enables carers to ring a number and arrange for help from experienced volunteers from the British Red Cross who will stay with the person until alternative care is arranged or the carer returns.
Frank said: "I would advise all carers in Northumberland to get an Emergency Card. If anything like this happens again, I know I won't have to worry about my wife's care."
The free scheme is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is supported by Northumberland Care Trust and organised by Carers Northumberland.
Information about the scheme and an emergency pack for carers is available by ringing 0844 8007354.
The full article contains 197 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
13 November 2008 11:09 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Alnwick, Northumberland
