Carers' health clinic initiative in Edinburgh: pilot evaluation

Unpaid carers see the Primary Health Care Team as an important source of help, information and support. A pilot Carers' Health Clinic to address the health needs of carers was set up in South West Edinburgh. The Clinic offered carers an assessment of their own health needs and information on a range of support services available to them including referral to a stress management therapist, if appropriate. Although physical health problems identified were mainly minor, the clinic findings indicate that many carers experienced emotional costs which they perceived to have an impact on their health. The Carers' Health Clinic pilot was a successful model, targeting carers who had not previously been in touch with carer support organizations and improving the awareness of carers of their own health needs.