GPs are set to be educated on how to provide better support for carers.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has launched a new information pack surrounding the issue of healthcare for those involved with domiciliary care.

It is thought many carers are neglecting their own healthcare because they are so occupied with the needs of those who they are looking after. However the information pack, which may also be of interest to those in family support jobs, provides documents and workshops which aim to help tackle this problem.

Professor Nigel Sparrow, who is chair of the RCGP Professional Development Board, claimed that GPs played a vital role in encouraging carers to look after their own health.

Speaking to rcgp.org.uk, he said: "There are already many examples of GP surgeries doing fantastic work but this excellent new resource will enable us to widen this even further and ensure that GPs across the country are well equipped to support those who are carrying out such an important but often unnoticed and often undervalued role."

Sparrow estimated that one in ten carers are actually suffering from poor health themselves.

A source from ageuk.org.uk reports that The Department of Health, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Children's Society have all made moves to support the initiative.