Carers UK has been campaigning to both safeguard and improve carers’ rights in the passing of the Health and Care Bill.

Committee Stage for the Health and Care Bill in the House of Lords took place in January and February 2022. During Committee Stage debates, Peers across all parties raised concerns about the removal of carers’ rights at the point of hospital discharge and the lack of definition of ‘carers’ within the Bill. Peers also pressed the Government on the fact that the Bill does not take the opportunity to place new duties on the NHS to identify carers and promote their health and wellbeing, which would be a major step forward for carers.

Carers UK has been campaigning with Peers to bring forward these amendments, including ensuring that young carers are recognised within the Bill, along with parent carers. We have also been working with Barnardo’s and Caring Together to ensure that young carers are considered at the point of hospital discharge.

Carers UK will continue to raise these issues with Peers at the next stage of the Bill which is Report – which will commence on 1 March 2022. The list of amendments to be tabled at Report can be seen here. We are delighted that Baroness Pitkeathley has already tabled an amendment specifically regarding carers and safe discharges from hospital.