Carers Charter
East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) values and recognises the important role of carers as key partners in the delivery of high quality care.
As per the Carers Recognition Act 2004 a carer is defined as a person who provides ongoing care, support and assistance to a person with disability, a chronic illness (which includes mental illness) or who is frail, without receiving a salary or wage for the care they provide.
EMHS is committed to supporting carers through inclusion and responsiveness as per the Carers Recognition Act. We support the four principles of the Western Australian Carers Charter:
- Carers must be treated with respect and dignity.
- The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers.
- The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers.
- Complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.
A carer who believes we have not met our obligations in the Carers Charter should firstly raise their concerns directly with the health service. For more information visit the EMHS Complaints page.
If the matter is not resolved carers may wish to contact the Health and Disability Service Complaints Office (HaDSCO).
HaDSCO is an independent statutory authority that provides an impartial resolution service for complaints about Western Australian health or disability services. Visit the HaDSCO website (external link) for more information.