Carers

We recognise the vital role carers play in supporting patients during their care.

We value the knowledge, experience and insight that carers bring, and we aim to work collaboratively with carers to support patients during hospital admissions and appointments. With the patient’s consent, carers are encouraged to be involved in discussions and decision making about care.

Support for carers is available at both hospital sites, and this page provides information about the services, resources and assistance available to you.

 

Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged.

 

More information

You can find out more information, including links to external support services and advocacy groups, at the NMHS Carers Website.

 

Frequently asked questions

This document aims to answer some of the questions frequently asked by carers when coming to either SCGH or OPH. It was made in consultation with carers.

Frequently asked questions (PDF)

 

Providing feedback

We value the important role carers play in supporting people during their care. Your insights and experiences are incredibly important to us.

We welcome your feedback about your experience, as well as the experience of the person you care for. Hearing from carers helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve, so we can provide better, more responsive care.

Whether your experience has been positive, or you think we could do better, we encourage you to tell us about it. You can contact us via:

For patients and carers accessing maternity services at OPH, please provide feedback via King Edward Memorial Hospital - Feedback, compliments and complaints.

 

Support for carers on site

There is a range of support available for carers to access. Please refer to the frequently asked questions (PDF) for details. Some other ways in which we support and recognise carers are:

Carers Recognition Subcommittee

This group consists of SCGOPHCG staff and carers who work together to improve recognition of carers. It meets monthly and reports to the Partnering with Consumers Committee. The Carers Recognition Subcommittee’s work includes organising Carers Week events at both sites; advocating for carer recognition across the organisation; contributing to policy development and review; and providing access to support services for carers.

Information stalls at SCGH

CarersWA provide information stalls four times a year, located in Watling Walk at SCGH. These are available for anyone to drop in to learn more about the supports provided by CarersWA. Upcoming dates in 2026:

  • Thursday 17th September 10am - 2pm
  • Monday 14th December 10am - 2pm

Carers Corners

Carers Corners are available throughout clinical areas. These are designated spaces providing relevant information such as ‘Welcome to Ward’ packs and the Prepare to Care book. Carers Corners are re-stocked by Carers WA every 4 to 6 weeks.

Staff education sessions

Carers WA Hospital Program Educators attend both SCGH and OPH regularly to provide education sessions to staff. These sessions aim to help hospital staff better recognise and support carers.

Celebrating Carers Week

Carer’s Week will happen 10 to 17 October 2026. It will be celebrated with activities at both sites that everyone is welcome to join in.

Last Updated: 17/06/2026