Published on: 15 June 2023
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce that following thorough review the Trust have successfully retained the two-star award Triangle of Care status from the Carers Trust for its efforts to involve carers in the treatment of their loved ones.
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust received positive feedback from the Carers Trust about its comprehensive efforts to involve carers, particularly given the impact of COVID, as it regained its two-star award – the second highest rating available.
The Carers Trust’s review commented on the clear thread of carer involvement, participation and co-production through the Triangle of Care standards that is embedded in activities across the Trust.
What is Triangle of Care?
The Triangle of Care membership scheme was developed by The Carers Trust and carers themselves. The ‘Triangle of Care’ is a working collaboration, or “therapeutic alliance” between the service user, professional and carer that promotes safety, supports recovery and sustains well-being.
The Triangle of Care was initially developed to improve mental health acute services by adopting six principles. It is widely accepted that these key principles can be applied to all service areas.
What are the standards?
These six principles of the Triangle of Care state:
- Carers and the essential role they play are identified at first contact or as soon as possible thereafter.
- Staff are ‘carer aware’ and trained in carer engagement strategies.
- Policy and practice protocols re: confidentiality and sharing information, are in place.
- Defined post(s) responsible for carers are in place.
- A carer introduction to the service and staff is available, with a relevant range of information across the care pathway.
- A range of carer support services is available.
The Carers Trust work to transform the lives of unpaid carers through collaboration, influence, evidence and innovation.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is fantastic to hear from the Carers Trust that we are providing care that promotes safety, supports recovery and sustains wellbeing.
“Working to improve engagement between professionals and carers has been at the centre of a lot of our work and we will continue to look for new ways of improving those relationships, to benefit those in our care.”
To find out more about Triangle of Care, visit the Trust’s website.
