CARERS in Redbridge have called on health bosses to fulfil their promise of providing them with much-needed respite breaks.
Hundreds of full-time carers across the borough expected to receive short rest periods this year as part of a government-funded scheme to improve their living standards.
A cash pot of £150 million was distributed between each primary care trust (PCT) to be used for this purpose over the next two years as part of the National Carers Strategy - but people in Redbridge claim they are still waiting to benefit from the money.
Helen Coughlan, who looks after her severely disabled mother full-time, said carers felt let down by the PCT - which is estimated to have received nearly £300,000 so far to provide the promised breaks.
The mum-of-two, from Woodford Green - who also used to provide care for her disabled brother - said: "We were all expecting to benefit from some respite breaks, but we've heard nothing from the PCT about this.
"Caring for someone full-time, 365 days a year really takes it out of you, and when these breaks were promised we were all really happy.
"I'm really disappointed that they've not followed through with their promise yet - and I know lots of other carers in Redbridge who are upset about this too.
"Carers play a really important role, but our needs are just ignored all the time."
A spokesman for Carers UK said: "We are concerned that £150 million given to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) is not being spent on its intended purpose of giving carers a break.
"Carers in England are being denied short breaks promised under the National Carers Strategy because dedicated NHS funding is not being spent on services.
"Research shows that the PCTs are unaware of the funding and the expectation of funding carers' breaks.
"The money was directed to Primary Care Trusts to encourage them to work strategically with Local Authority Social Services and provide much needed breaks for carers.
"Carers UK, together with the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Caring for Carers, has written to the Chief Excutive of the NHS David Nicholson, asking him to issue clear guidance to PCTs on providing short breaks."
A spokesman from Redbridge PCT said: "The NHS, like other public sector organisations is currently subject to considerable financial challenges and demands on resources. The Department of Health has not ring-fenced funding for carers’ breaks, but NHS Redbridge recognises and values the role of carers.
"In 2009/10 we are supporting carers through a range of different provision, which for adults includes the commissioning of specialist hospice care, a Carer’s Support Worker with the Alzheimer’s Society, investment in the Stroke Association’s Family and Carer Support Service, counselling for stroke patients and their carers, provision of a dedicated respite bed for dementia patients and respite care on an ad hoc basis for continuing care patients that are being nursed in the community.
"Our total investment for adults for these areas is £323k. Our Learning Disabilities Partnership provides respite at a cost of £784K and our Children’s Partnership provides respite, hospice and palliative care at a cost of £373k."
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