The government has been warned that its national strategy for carers could 'reveal hidden care needs' in community services.

NHS Confederation chief executive Stephen Thornton welcomed the strategy, which says NHS primary care teams should review the needs of carers once a year and provide good information on the health needs and treatment of the person they care for.

But he said there was a 'question mark over the ability of community health services to deliver' following the cuts of recent years.

He called for the government to set 'clear priorities'.

The Association of Directors of Social Services welcomed the strategy as 'joined-up thinking', but said it would need additional cash.

Caring About Carers: a national strategy for carers.

www.doh.gov.uk/carers.htm