Shielding

[EvieJo]

So, going on the briefing today, restrictions relaxed from 6th July and workers can return (if workplace covid secure) from 01 August! Hope they’re better at sending letters out this time in case employers are requiring them etc. At least we have had some sort of update- at last! I’m still worried though 😔

[Hidden]

At least we know where we stand. I don't know how they are going to make work places safe though. Offices are possible but everywhere else I can't see it. I don't hold hope about the letters.

[EvieJo in reply to Hidden]

No me neither. Matt Hancock says he expects employers to be supportive but as we all know, that’s a bit of a lottery.

[twinkly29]

Employers will know from the official updates. If you're an official shielder then you're already doing it and they'll just continue it...

[Hidden in reply to twinkly29]

I'm on furlough. But when I go back it depends where you work. I work in some places where they will not allow masks and distancing from people is near impossible.

[twinkly29 in reply to Hidden]

Oh I get that there will be all sorts of issues regarding safe workplaces, I just meant that as far as employers knowing and letters to confirm it, the letters shouldn't be needed for the confirmation.

There is this document

gov.uk/guidance/working-saf...

but I don't know how useful it is - maybe there's things in it that people could ask for?

[gillbee in reply to twinkly29]

I’m an Agency acute medical nurse, on AMU, Respiratory, GI wards. Have been shielding on advise from my consultant. In the winter I avoid ED, AMU & Respiratory wards. Do you think this would be enough? Or is nursing off the table now? I’m in the BME group, have hypertension and obese (even thou I’m working on that! and 50 in August)

[twinkly29 in reply to gillbee]

I suspect on whatever fancy system they've created you might tick many boxes .... and then your consultant's input too. I have no idea really though - or what work would do about it. Might be worth enquiring at work though!

[LDloveslattecoffe in reply to gillbee]

Hopefully, the Agency and NHS will be on top of this so 1st August the agency should know where they can and can't put you but has to be covid secure.

[Hidden]

Also, Dr Harries said any future shielding might apply to different groups of people. Eg those whose condition is managed by their gp alone might not need to shield. But I thought that’s how it was now

[twinkly29 in reply to Hidden]

I took from what she said that children managed by GP wouldn't need to (and many beyond that level too). But may have misheard. But yes to possibly different groups if shielding has to restart.

In theory it should be people beyond GP level currently as those with more severe asthma should be under a specialist....but a lot aren't seemingly.

[Js706 in reply to twinkly29]

Yes I think they mainly talked about there being big changes in the shielding groups for children - and there was a big document released by the Royal College of Paediatrics at the end of last week I think that goes into more detail about different conditions (although a lot will still be on an individual basis after discussing with clinicians by the looks of things!).

I get adult wise we’ll have more of an idea when the government site gets updated (tomorrow I guess?) as that should have an updated condition list on it

[twinkly29 in reply to Js706]

I did laugh at the talk to paediatric specialists at appointments over the summer suggestion. Erm yes everyone will have those then. 🙄

[WindsweptRissa in reply to twinkly29]

I’m on the shielding list and currently only ‘managed’ by GP although have just been referred back to respiratory medicine due to problems I’ve been having, but no idea how many months I’ll need to wait for an appointment.

[twinkly29 in reply to WindsweptRissa]

Probably a lot 😣 but good you've been re-referred!

[Hidden in reply to twinkly29]

Yes, I just listened to what she said again (sad or what?) and the reference to “those managed by GP alone” referred to children, as you & Js706 say.

She also talked of a more individualised approach based on a risk prediction model carried out by Oxford Uni, which takes account of age, gender, ethnicity, obesity etc as well as health conditions. Here’s a link to that ox.ac.uk/news/2020-06-22-ox...

This research was commissioned by Prof Whitty, the CMO. I’m kind of getting the impression they think we might have to shield again...

[twinkly29 in reply to Hidden]

Not necessarily because asthma hasn't actually been a huge risk factor. Other conditions have much more so as well as other factors like gender, ethnicity etc.

[S321]

I do not where you work but if I was you I would ring my employers and ask what kind of protection they have for people who suffer from Asthma? Can you let your Manager know you are looking forward to coming back but can they give you guidelines on how you will be protected can you work from home? Stop you worrying about going back hopefully they should have some kind of guide lines to make you safe