GP Carer Accreditation Scheme

What is the GP Accreditation Scheme?

The GP Accreditation Scheme was collaboratively developed and has been running since 2015. It was recognised that for many carers GP surgeries are often the first point of contact, in developing relationships and providing resources and signposting opportunities. As part of the scheme GP surgeries, across Cardiff and the Vale are asked to nominate a Carers Champion to liaise with the Patient Experiences' Carers Lead and Information and Support Centre Manager/Macmillan Facilitator.

The commitment of the Carers Champion, along with their wider teams, is to raise awareness of unpaid carers ensuring that they are being identified as early as possible. Early identification means that unpaid carers can be supported and made aware of the services they can access, before they reach breaking point.

Existing champions have become an expert resource within their practices and are supported to be able to identify, support and signpost carers appropriately.

The GP Carers Accreditation Scheme has two levels - bronze and silver and GP Practices are asked to provide evidence against criteria in 5 themes. These are:

1. UNDERSTAND: Staff have responsibility for understanding and addressing carers’ needs.  Policy and practice protocols regarding confidentiality and sharing information, are in place.
2. INFORM: Awareness is raised by sharing knowledge, a carer introduction to the service and member of staff is available.
3. IDENTIFY: Carers and the essential role that they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter.
4. LISTEN: Carers are listened to, consulted with and given time to talk, staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies.
5. SUPPORT: Carers are supported and signposted to other resources and services.

How do I know if my GP Practice is involved in the accreditation?

If a GP practice is involved in the Accreditation and has received a bronze level award, they will have a carers board in place. This board will contain the name of the Carers Champion along with other useful information for unpaid carers.

Some GP Practices are in the early stages of the accreditation so may not have their carers board in place just yet. If you cannot see a carers board please just ask at reception if the practice has a carers champion.

If your practice is not involved in the accreditation, but would like to be, they can contact us by emailing pe.cav@wales.nhs.uk 

Bronze award

Brynderwen Surgery, Cardiff

Cloughmore Medical Centre, Cardiff

Llan Healthcare (Wellbeing Hub @ Maelfa), Cardiff

Practice of Health, Vale of Glamorgan

St Isan Road Surgery, Cardiff

Sully Surgery, Vale of Glamorgan

West Quay Medical Centre, Vale of Glamorgan