Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how the NHS supports carers of patients with uncommon disabilities.

The Government fully recognises the vital role of unpaid carers in supporting individuals with uncommon and complex disabilities and remains committed to ensuring they have the support they need.

The National Health Service works closely with local authorities and the voluntary sector to identify carers and provide a range of support, including carers’ assessments, respite care, and access to mental health services. For those caring for people with rare or complex conditions, access to specialist NHS services, alongside coordinated and personalised care plans, helps ensure that both patient and carer needs are met.

Through the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, we are strengthening personalised care and improving how carers are identified and signposted to support, including identifying them through community services and specialist charities. The plan also sets out that, from 2026/27, through a new ‘MyCarer’ section to the NHS App, unpaid carers will be able to access medical records, test results, and online prescriptions for the person they care for, with consent, supporting them in their caring role.