Peter
Viggers, MP for Gosport, has applauded the launch of a
new campaign ‘Carers want health
checks!’ which
has been unveiled as part of this year’s Carers’ Week
(12-18 June).
Almost
one in eight people in Gosport provide unpaid help and
support to a relative or friend who is either frail, sick
or disabled. Many took part in a major national survey
of over 5,600 carers, which reveals that more than three
quarters (79%) of carers say that their health has been
affected by caring, with stress and depression being amongst
the most common complaints. Almost as many (71%) say that
health problems affect their ability to care. Only one
in four carers (27%) has been offered a health check by
their GP, but the survey revealed that nine out of 10 believe
that all carers should be offered a health check.
Acting
on the results of this study – the
largest ever in the UK - the eight national charities*
that make up the Carers’ Week partnership are calling
on the NHS to introduce regular health checks within 12
months of someone becoming a carer, and regularly thereafter.
Peter
said,”I am pleased to have this opportunity
to show my support for carers and Carers’ Week. There
are many people in our local community that give their
time selflessly to care for others, and it is important
that we recognise their health needs. Offering regular
health checks is one way we can do this.
“It is shocking
that so many carers say their health has been affected
by caring. I urge carers not to neglect themselves, but
instead ensure they use the services available to them
and look after their own health, as well as the person
they care for.”
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