GP letter??

[UKZA]

Hi All, I hope you are keeping well. I would like to ask for your Opinion and advise. I too, like so many others on here, have not received a shielding letter, but this has not been a problem, as I have been furloughed and am self isolating with my husband whom is working from home. I get shopping delivered and my daughters help out. So , a letter has not been necessary for me, but I am worried about what happens after the next 3 weeks, especially as business could be allowed back to work and there is talk that the vulnerable will continue to shield. I did call my GP and I am not on the list and in their opinion will not be added to the list, as not considered vulnerable. I am not sure who to believe or where to turn as I am a practice manager of a busy chiropractic and wellness centre and we see about 250 to 300 patients a week, So will be very exposed. I have had pulmonary problems and sepsis in the past. I am not really sure what I should be doing or if I should call my haematology department? I would have taken my GP recommendations at face value, had I not been following this forum. I would appreciate comments. Take care and stay safe.

[Dazakella2010]

Good morning.....

I would advise you to call your gp surgery first thing Monday and tell them that they need to add you to the vulnerable list..... all gp surgeries should by now have the software to do this ( I from experience have found all thus out) you are of course vulnerable and you should be shielding. I have had 2 letters, one from my hospital, guys telling me that I am vulnerable and should shielding and a more in-depth letter from my gp surgery telling me that they have identified me as a “at risk” person and need to shield. All mpn have been included in this “at risk” group no matter what your age what medication your on or what on there medical conditions you may have. I will also add a link in another comment for you which clearly states that mpn are in the lists. I hope this helps.

[UKZA in reply to Dazakella2010]

Hi , thank you I will give them a call, I have blood tests coming up so may use these results to have a talk to my haematology. It just confuses me as 3 months ago my white blood cells were so low I was told not to book a holiday as I would not be insured.

[Dazakella2010 in reply to UKZA]

Some gp surgeries are not up to date with the rules and regulations unfortunately or may try to fob you off.... you will need to stick your ground. All gp surgeries are supposed to be forwarded and adding names for nhs England to provide patients shielding letters. We come under this category. Mpn is classified as a blood cancer and if your gp surgery questions this asked them for an email address for you to send the link to them that I just sent you.... do not give up. If you need any more help please let me know. X

[EleanorPV in reply to Dazakella2010]

I'm in Scotland. My GP has agreed I'm to shield but the system which generates the letters is a mess. I'm fighting, by emailing every person I can think of, to highlight this issue. Yes you are correct to be concerned about the exit strategy. Those who don't have letters will have to return to work (I assume).

I'm sending one email a day and then enjoying the rest of the day. It's important for us all to reduce our stress, as much as possible.

[UKZA in reply to EleanorPV]

Thank you for your reply. Oddly enough, I feel the best I have felt in a long time without the stresses of work.

[Dazakella2010]

bloodwise.org.uk/coronaviru...

[UKZA in reply to Dazakella2010]

Thanks so much x

[EleanorPV]

You could also complete this blood cancer uk (formally bloodwise ) survey. bloodcancer.org.uk/support-...

[UKZA in reply to EleanorPV]

Thank you

[Eadaoin]

Complete the Government registration form online. I already knew my Surgery’s response ‘It’s nothing to do with us’ as I was told when I enquired earlier. Got a text in response to the form. Did not follow it through after it said to go to my GP !! But 2 days ago I got a call from my local Council saying I was on the Government’s At risk and Vulnerable list and offering me a food parcel!!! Still no letter though 🌈😃

[UKZA in reply to Eadaoin]

I will try that thank you. I had thought that it just re routed you back to your gp surgery

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Eadaoin]

Hi

It is down to your gp to forward your name to nhs England.... it states this on there website.

[Eadaoin in reply to Dazakella2010]

Even if it does say that it’s sadly obvious on this blog that it didn’t happen in every Surgery. Perhaps that is why we were later encouraged to sign up directly on the Gov.uk site. That is how I got a result - but no letter yet and we are already in Week 5. Luckily I wasn’t depending on the letter like some needed to.

[Jenny_F]

I have an MPN and there is conflicting advice. I eventually got my GP to write me a shielding letter but Guys sent one saying we we are not at increased risk of catching COVID but I think the point really is what is our likelihood of dying if we get it, not the risk. Registered with gov.uk but nothing so feel pretty let down right now as I cant shield and get food supplies

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Jenny_F]

I received a letter from guys telling me that I should be shielding.

[Jenny_F in reply to Dazakella2010]

Well obviously they think I will survive if I catch it then even tho I have a compromised immune system

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Jenny_F]

In the 5th paragraph of your letter does it not say we strongly advise people with your underlying health conditions to be shielding?

[Jenny_F in reply to Dazakella2010]

Ah well spotted, they kind of buried the headline there and I didn’t see that line. Thanks. I have a letter from the GP too so am covered it seems from a going into the office perspective but will still have to go out for food right now

[Dazakella2010 in reply to Jenny_F]

digital.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...