Harris Supports Carers Week Call for Health Checks

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Jun 2006

Dr Evan Harris, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, 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).

One in ten adults in Oxfordshire 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.

Together with over 260 other MPs, Dr Harris has signed a parliamentary Early Day Motion, supporting carers and Carers Week (EDM 2043).

Dr Harris comments: "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."

Paul Matz, Carers Week Manager, says "We are delighted that Evan Harris is supporting the 'Carers want health checks campaign."

Carers Week is a partnership of eight UK-wide charities working together; Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Aged, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

CARERS WEEK - EDM 2043 reads:

That this House expresses its admiration for the six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend, who could not otherwise manage because of frailty, illness or disability; is concerned that large numbers of carers are unknown to statutory agencies; notes that Carers Week, being held this year from 12th to 18th June has the theme of carers and health, with the objective of assisting carers and enabling them to access support and services; believes that carers need to be viewed as key partners in community care; is concerned that 79% of carers say that their health has been affected by caring; notes that nine out of ten carers believe they will benefit from annual health checks; calls on local statutory health bodies to carry out an audit of good practice in their area and establish timescales for the introduction of health checks for carers.