CEV letter v2.0, NI edition.

[Belfastbees]

So lots of posts on here from people getting CEV letters again. Mostly England I think however our wee country got to deal with the serious arguments about transfer tests (I guess they are, not if you're youngest is 20 though) before they issue the guidance and letters. Just yesterday, Friday 8th I received mine. I recall speaking to my GP back in April as I wasn't sure it should apply to me, I am on w+w with no treatment. She referred me to my specialist who told me, through a receptionist to follow it. In my naievity I assumed this is just a catch all over-reaction and I hadnt so much to worry about. I must say though I am respectful and considerate of others and always followed the rules. This is because I understand them to be based on science and not because I feel I am a sheep. So winding on I did see recently some research suggesting w+w as likely as other stages within CLL to have equal outcomes so I guess that was a wake up call. Fast forward to now then. Our local CMO had said CEV shouldn't attend work, but stressed it was advice, from boxing day. That put me off work from monday past, 4th. My employer had stated they would accept the original (April) shielding letter while waiting for the new one. As time past I hadn't got one and decided to speak to my GP, to check if the list had been amended and I was off it. Mixed feelings about that but on the whole see it as a good thing if I'm not at enough risk to shield. My GP discussed my condition, no symptoms, no medication so said she didn't think they would be sending me a letter (my first letter had come from this GP). Bizarrely after this call I noticed the post had been. Of course you guessed it was my letter to shield. Even more bizarrely the GP rang back (making these 3 things all happen within 15 mins) to say she had spoken to the practice manager and they would honour and send out a new letter. Whilst I think I probably should get the letter it's of note the GP seemed very disconnected. In the first call I did tell her about research I had done (Dr Google) which suggested outcomes of those on w+w was not any more or less favourable in terms of outcomes. Just reporting this as I'm sure there are others in a similar position.

[Jm954 Administrator]

Irrespective of your individual risk, I think it's good that you've got a letter that affords you greater protection and rights. A good employer too!All the best

Jackie

[LeoPa]

GPS are over their head now. When you see lots of people dying you feel like anything less than being on the brink of death is insignificant. This pandemic may numb us in more than 1 way. But to preserve sanity its necessary.

[Biker950]

Hi, I'm also in NI, just got my Letter on Friday, the letter head is from my Doctor Practice, First time round I received 3 Shielding letters

[Belfastbees]

Hi, I'm also a biker! I'm not sure where mine came from. It is 'signed' by the cmo but the envelope is franked to a PO box in Belfast. It's not the size of envelope you'd expect an A4 letter to be posted in. I'd have thought the GP might access a system and see a wee marker against my name as CEV, or not. Its relevant not least because if I think I may have it I'll be calling my consultant now and not my GP. I remain optimistic though, at avoiding it and if necessary surviving it. My missus is patient facing NHS and had her second jab of pfeizer just last week so I see minimal risk there. Weekly grocery collection and she will top up with bread which never lasts. Also starting to hear of 80+ yo getting called for their shots which is promising as well.

[Random78]

Hi fellow NI folk. The NI Direct site has been updated re CEV people, specifically:

"From 26 December, CEV people who are working and are unable to do so from home are advised not to attend the workplace.This is advice only."

It does note that if a letter has been received it provides cover for Statutory Sock Pay. Link below

nidirect.gov.uk/articles/co...

[Belfastbees in reply to Random78]

I could do with new socks to be fair.

😂. Sorry, had to say that.

I'm fortunate I'm being given work home and will not need SSP. I must say I am glad at this time to be away from work given the proliferance of corona due to the normalisation because it was Christmas. So obvious now that people made bad choices.

[Random78]

Hehe. Cold fingers!! Humour most welcome in these dark times. 🙂

[Shadowwings]

I got my letter from the GP similar time as you. I don't need to use it as I'm completely working from home and have a very understanding boss, but I do feel a bit more nervous being out and about now. Only popped to the pharmacy to collect medicines for my kids and felt pretty vulnerable.

I thought the letter was better written and more clear this time, with an emphasis on looking after mental health, so that was helpful.

Imagine if you did get stat sock pay, for every day that you wore socks... Score!!

[Belfastbees in reply to Shadowwings]

I do feel I had to push it a little with my bosses, not particularly helpful (assuming you're in NI with the same letter from Michael McBride) that it was stated as advice depending on how covid secure the workplace is but I am WFH now and content with that. Given our lockdown is extended now until early March I wonder if there will be an extension to the 6 week shielding period in place since boxing day. I don't mix much at all and it's becoming a pain but given the doubts about new strains I feel it's necessary. Get out for a good walk every day but see some people wearing masks which I feel unnecessary. Get a weekly shop delivered, haven't been in a shop for weeks. Better half is NHS and has had both doses (2nd 2 weeks past) of the pfeizer vaccine so minimal risk there. She also has very recently had some cases in her home but no sign of it coming home and her weekly test remains negative. One staff member declined the vaccine and caught it around this time so whoops for her I guess.