Vital new service is delivering crucial support to carers from the hospital bedside

The local carers' centre now has staff based in Inverclyde Royal to make sure no one caring for loved ones slips through the net.

In a bid to reach out to as many people as possible, support worker Alison Cloudsley is based in the wards.

She is on hand to help carers get the direct help they need to look after family or friends when they come out of hospital.

Now they are hoping to encourage more staff to refer carers to them.

Alison said: "It is is so important that support is there right away for carers.

"A carer is anyone who supports a family member, friend or neighbour.

"We know that hospital staff are extremely busy and maybe only have time to deal with the patient, so we are there for the carers.

"It will help people when they are in hospital to get out more quickly, and when they get home as well."

Carers at Inverclyde Royal are signposted to the centre, where there is a whole range of services, support and activities on hand.

During the recent Carers' Awareness Week staff from Inverclyde Carers' Centre ran an awareness stall in the main entrance to the hospital.

They were keen to highlight the work going on inside the hospital and throughout the district.

The Carers' Centre in Cathcart Street helps thousands of people with practical advice, social support and respite.

Support worker Alison, who is based in the Larkfield Unit, takes referrals from hospital staff, social workers and others involved.

It is all part of a strategy to increase support for people in the community who look after loved ones.

Alison said: "We can help carers get the support that they need in place when the patient comes home."