The burden of caring causes ill health, say carers' charities

The message comes at the start of Carers Week, which highlights the work of the UK's six million carers.

A survey, published on Monday, revealed that 92% of carers in Scotland wanted their GP to highlight in their medical records that they were carers.

But only 32% of carers have been asked by GPs if they care for someone.

It is estimated that the UK's six million carers - people who voluntarily look after a partner, friend or relative due to illness, disability or frailty - currently save the Treasury �57bn every year.

But recent research has found that two-thirds of carers feel their own health has suffered as a result of their caring role.

The results of the survey also show that across the UK just 2% of GP surgeries offer carers a special appointments system and only 37% keep a record of carers on their medical records.

The organisers of Carers Week said the statistics highlighted the difficulty carers had in seeking treatment for themselves and, if they needed emergency medical care, making arrangements for the person they care for.

Paul Matz, Carers Week manager, said: "The NHS should invest a little now in helping Scottish carers look after their health rather than risk them not being well enough to care. The impact on the NHS could be overwhelming.

It is believed carers save the NHS billions a year

"Carers need access to swift, flexible healthcare if they are to continue making such an enormous contribution to society.

"The chief executives of the four Carers Week charities are writing today to every primary care trust in Scotland urging them to improve the services they provide for carers.

"That means introducing more flexible GP appointment systems, keeping records of carers on their medical notes and providing information to carers about the support available to them."

Carers Week is an annual event organised to support the UK's carers and highlight the services available to them.