John’s Campaign was started after Dr. John Gerrard passed away in 2014 following a long hospital stay in the UK. His family wanted to improve how hospitals treat carers, people who look after loved ones. To learn more this campaign please visit Johnscampaign.org.uk
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) supports this campaign. It means carers (like a partner, family member, or friend) are welcome to be with their loved one in hospital and help support them, as agreed with the care team. Email: johnscampaign@tuh.ie.
What can carers do?
Carers can help by:
- Speaking up for their loved one
- Sharing important information
- Providing comfort and reassurance
Carers are not expected to do the jobs of hospital staff, and they may not always be able to stay due to other responsibilities.
Carers vs. Visitors
Carers are different from regular visitors. They can come outside normal visiting hours, but they still need to follow hospital rules.
If a patient did not have a carer before coming to hospital, normal visiting hours apply.
What is the Carer’s Passport Card?
This card lets carers stay with their loved one whenever needed, even outside regular visiting times.
- It is only for the person named on the card (not transferable).
- You get it from the ward staff where your loved one is staying.
- If your loved one moves to a different ward, you will get a new card.
- Wear the card clearly while in the Hospital and return it when your loved one is discharged.
How to get one: Read the “Patient Healthcare Passport & Visitor Information Leaflet,” fill out the Carer’s Passport Agreement, and give it to a nurse on the ward.
Important to know:
- You may be asked to leave the ward in emergencies or special situations.
- You should only care for your own loved one, not other patients.
