UNPAID carers are being urged to share their views on care.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Healthwatch England want feedback from unpaid carers across the South East after a year of challenge and loss during the pandemic.

The campaign will help address issues that the NHS and social services can address, so the 'best care possible' can be provided.

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Unpaid carers who provide care and support to family members, friends and neighbours that maybe affected by a disability, physical or mental ill-health, fraility or substance misue are being asked to share what they witness.

This could be in care homes, hospitals or homes.

Both positive and negative feedback is encouraged.

Kate Terroni, chief inspector of adult social care at CQC, said:

“There are 6.5 million unpaid carers in England and their voices are extremely powerful.

“We are incredibly grateful that many carers have already shared their experiences of what care is like when delivered in their own home, in care homes, hospitals and GPs - good and bad – this is vital intelligence to CQC and really does make a difference.

“By the end of December we carried out over 1900 risk-based inspections using vital intelligence, including from carers and members of the public. I’d like to make a plea that carers continue to talk to us about what care is like as they are our eyes and ears on the ground."

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Concerns shared with CQC can help identify poor care quickly and then take needed action.

People can share their views by visiting www.healthwatch.co.uk/because-we-all-care or www.cqc.org.uk