GPs need to offer more health checks

Carers are failing to receive health checks from their GPs even though more than three-quarters suffer from health problems because of physical and psychological strain, according to research published this week.

Only one in four of 5,000 carers surveyed by eight charities were offered a health check by their GP, but the vast majority said caring made their health worse.

Carers providing 50 hours or more of care a week were likely to experience the greatest number of health problems, including depression, stress and backache, according to the survey launched to mark the start of Carers Week.

Paul Matz, manager of Carers Week, which runs from 12-18 June, said: “Carers are so often focused on the person they care for that they neglect concerns for themselves and, as a result, their own health can be significantly affected.”

More than 200 MPs have signed an early day motion supporting a call from the eight charities behind Carers Week for primary care trusts to audit how many GP practices are offering health checks to carers.

• Further information available from www.carersweek.org