A local NHS Trust has been recognised with a Triangle of Care award.

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Harplands Hospital, has been formally recognised with a Triangle of Care Star 2 Award.

Triangle of Care, run by the Carers Trust, is a quality improvement scheme for health and social care providers that promotes safety, recovery and wellbeing by including and supporting unpaid carers.

Professor Pauline Walsh, Non-Executive Director of North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "We are prod to celebrate our accreditation for the Triangle of Care.

"A significant achievement that reflects our commitment to building strong, inclusive and compassionate mental health services.

"It's main goal is to ensure that carers are properly included, and supported in a patients care and recovery journey."

The trust was awarded Star 1 in 2023, relating to inpatient and crisis teams.

Over the last two years, the trust explained that they have been building on the existing support available for carers by working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council, as well as North Staffs Carers and the Staffordshire Together for Carers.

Kenny Laing, Chief Nursing Officer, said: "We are proud to share the news about this accreditation from the Carer's Trust.

"The purpose of the Triangle of Care scheme is to strengthen collaboration between carers, service users and mental health professionals ensuring that carers are included, supported and recognised for their crucial role. 

"This collaborative achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of everyone who has been involved.

"I would like to thank all the teams and staff who have taken part in helping us to highlight the role of carers at our trust."

The trust explained that many teams were been involved in the accreditation work, including 10 inpatient teams and 29 community teams.

Action plans have been developed with each team and support has been put in place to enable staff to put the actions plans into practice.