Coulby Newham GP Practice Becomes Carer Friendly

Coulby Newham GP Practice has proudly achieved Carer Friendly GP Practice status, working closely with Susan Lee, Primary Care Co-ordinator at Teesside Mind.

Allanah McFarlane, Care Coordinator at Coulby Medical Practice said:

“The journey to become a carer's accredited GP practice has been a very positive experience for all of us at Coulby Medical Practice - and, importantly, learning about how to better support and identify unpaid carers has led to improved care for our patients.”

A few months ago, during a routine phone call with a patient providing unpaid care to a family member, the team documented their carer status and sent them a comprehensive carer's information pack. Recently, this patient received their flu jab—something they wouldn’t have been eligible for otherwise—helping them stay healthy and continue providing essential care to their loved one.

Becoming carer-accredited means the practice now actively identifies carers, provides guidance packs, signposts local resources, and trains staff to champion carers’ needs. Other GP surgeries can get involved by contacting Teesside Mind’s Primary Care Coordinator to learn how to meet NHS England Care Quality Markers for supporting carers in primary care.

Coulby Newham GP Practice’s accreditation highlights their commitment to recognising, supporting, and valuing unpaid carers in the community.