CS 25

Legislation Committee No.5

Response to the Proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure

Public Health Wales

Stuart Bartley, Senior Public Health Manager
15 March 2010
Publication/Distribution: Public (Internet)
Review Date: N/A
Purpose and Summary of Document: This reports summarises Public Health Wales response to the Consultation on Proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure
Work Plan reference:   N/A

1 Purpose

This reports summarises Public Health Wales response to the Consultation on Proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure

2 Public Health Wales’s comments

The WAG measure reinforces the significant and important role that carers have to play across the health and social care arena and ensures that relevant authorities duly consider and engage with this population in a proactive manner.

Wales has a significant number of carers and proportionately more than England. Estimates suggest that 70% of care within the community is informally provided; therefore any initiative that effectively supports carers should be supported

Although not necessarily improving service access the process will further highlight the needs of this population.

There is a need for more effective joint work across agencies to avoid duplication, make best use of resources and provide effective and helpful advice, support and interventions.

The new Health Boards will have a number of Local authorities to work with to develop strategies and this should afford the opportunity to develop and implement strategies within their areas that improve consistency and hopefully improve cross agency working.

The carer’s measure should allow for an improved and equitable response to their needs for information and advice.