Scottish NHS/Government letters

[193639]

Can someone please provide some information on receiving a letter from the Scottish Government or Scottish NHS. I have RA and take biological meds (immune suppressants) and methatrexate. According to the U.K. and Scottish Governments I fall into the shielded category and should isolate myself. My understanding is that I should receive a letter from either the NHS or Government. However when I contacted my Rheumatology clinic they advised that this is the Governments responsibility and do not know what data base they are getting their information from to send letters and yet the literature comes from the NHS website regarding high risk and vulnerable people in relation to auto immune disease and immune disease therapy.

I am confused and concerned and have been contacted by my employer on a few occasions asking if I have received a letter.

Any guidance is appreciated

193639

[listellor]

i would try and get a message to your gp . i did and she said i was between medium and high risk so did not have to shield for 12 weeks also she gave me a letter instead of a sick note to cover me . But when i called my employer to return to work as soon as i said i was medium to high risk they we not so keen for me to return to work . it all depends on what job you do etc as well

[193639 in reply to listellor]

Hi there,

Your reply is much appreciated, my question is how do the measure risk?

Not expecting your to know the answer but it is subjective don’t you think,

Thank

193639

[Stayloose in reply to 193639]

If you go to nras .org and follow the Covid links you will see there is a 1-3 point system of risk for RA patients.

[Stayloose in reply to 193639]

PS. Now I am fully awake; as above, but they are of course broard categories and everyone's history is different.

[Brushwork]

You probably do not fall into the High Risk category, my situation is similar to your and my risk is moderate. We are advised to follow the self distancing guidelines rather than self isolating. I could be wrong, but if you don't have a letter by the end of tomorrow, you are not in the shield category

[4965]

Hi iam in the same position as you I have been told that I have to show a letter from govermant before I isolate for 12weeks I work on the front line

[hatshepsut]

My gp rang me yesterday, and advised me that I am in the very high risk category. Have already been self isolating for two weeks, but have to admit that when it was confirmed, I did feel really low.

Just have to get on with it, worth it if my actions help to save lives.......but 12 weeks seems endless!!!

[rab1874]

Same as yourself,I live in Oban west coast off Scotland and haven’t received a letter yet but according to chart I’m high risk as I have RA and on methotrexate and biological drug and Angina,so I’m isolating anyway xxx

[Gers3758]

I am in the exact same boat. Public Healthcare England has advised you should receive a letter no later than this Sunday ( I would expect Monday or possibly longer if sent last post Friday. If not received by then you are directed to contact your GP or Hospital Clinical Department for follow up. I live in Scotland and NHS Scotland haven’t even provided a cut off date in which to contact and the advice regarding High Risk v Extreme High Risk seems to vary from Trust to Trust regarding Shielding criteria with patients on Immunosuppressive Treatments. I take Biological Injections (Benepali) for PsA and still don’t have any correspondence about Shielding. My 14 days quarantine runs out on Thursday and my HR department needs that letter by then as that is the authority to self isolate at home for the 12 weeks.