Nick Harvey MP 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). 

The Carers Week partnership is calling on the NHS to introduce regular health checks within 12 months of someone becoming a carer, and regularly thereafter.    

Nick Harvey MP, who has signed a parliamentary motion on this issue 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 to 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 Nick Harvey MP is supporting the ‘Carers want health checks campaign.”

One in ten adults in North Devon provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend who is either frail, sick or disabled.  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 nine out of 10 believe that all carers should be offered a health check.