Let your GP surgery know you are a carer

We recommend that you tell your GP that you are a carer. This will enable the surgery team to better support you with your caring role and with your own health.

Some GP surgeries will have a carers lead or a contact within the team who can help direct you to both local and national unpaid carer organisations providing support and information.

Things you are entitled to 

All carers are entitled to:

• free annual flu vaccinations, and other vaccinations in accordance with national guidance
• involvement in the care and treatment of your cared for person: please note this will require completion of the correct “Consent to share/Authorisation Form” and/or proof of any legal documents

You may also be able to ask for:

• flexible appointments; to fit around your caring duties or when appropriate a home visit
• help to connect with other health, community and voluntary sector services. Some surgeries also have staff called Social Prescribers who can help with this
• help and advice regarding repeat prescription collections; speak to your surgery directly
• support to join the Patient Participation Group. This is an opportunity for patients and carers to have their say in how services are run
• a referral to Carer Support Dorset, an organisation that provides information and support to carers, and can connect you with other organisations in the community that can help. They can also send you a carers’ discount card, offering savings on local shops and services

Please note that each surgery will have their own offer for carers. To find out more contact your GP surgery directly.