Anyone who had a shielding letter before get another this week?

[London36_]

I got a shielding letter in May so assumed according to new info just published that I had to work from home but my employer says they think diabetes is not on shielding list and asked if have a new shielding letter? (Im sure shielding wasn’t just because of T1 anyway) Very stressed and confused about what status I am and what to do. I understand only the government are shielding now. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

(I actually don’t want to shield, I want to be at work, I just asked for reasonable adjustments but I think they want the letter first?)

 

[searley]

Shielding was not for T1 im T1 and was told by 2 gp's and a consultant that I didn't qualify to sheild

However my partner a t2 had a hba1c of 99 and was told to Sheila because had a hba1c of 89+

 

[Lamont D]

The wife is on the at risk list and had a letter to shield earlier in the year.
We have received a phone call from our GP, to be very careful.
As we live in the north west, it is just carrying on from the last lockdown, but no letter yet, but we are trying to not go out as covid is raging around here!
Hospitals are struggling because our wise masters (Boris) dithered again until the rise in cases going south towards the capital!
We may be included in the mass testing trials soon as well. Just like Liverpool city area!

Keep safe

 

[KK123]

I got a shielding letter in May so assumed according to new info just published that I had to work from home but my employer says they think diabetes is not on shielding list and asked if have a new shielding letter? (Im sure shielding wasn’t just because of T1 anyway) Very stressed and confused about what status I am and what to do. I understand only the government are shielding now. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

(I actually don’t want to shield, I want to be at work, I just asked for reasonable adjustments but I think they want the letter first?)

Hi there. To begin with, two sets of people came under the 'Clinically vulnerable' category, extremely high risk (shielders) and moderately high risk (Non shielders but told to be extra careful). Diabetes fell into the moderately high risk but some fell into the shielding group due to additional conditions or high hb1acs etc. Those with 'just' diabetes were not told to shield. You have obviously been assessed as extremely high risk if you had a shielding letter last time so should also be in that category now. I would contact your GP and get clarification. IF you were shielding before, the govt advice now re work is to work from home if possible, and if not possible to NOT go into work anyway. Of course it seems to change every second but you can get the latest (full) details on the UK govt website. x

 

[UK T1]

Hi all, hope you're doing well. Just to debunk the myth that CEV was only for Type 1s with high HbA1c or additional conditions, I received an email confirming I was still on the CEV list and should not go to work.

The guidance states medical professionals can add people at their discretion, one consideration could be job. Teaching is a profession where distancing can be impossible depending on the setting you're in, so my consultant and GP agreed I should shield given the number of positive tests in my local area and school setting. I'm under 40, perfectly healthy weight, HbA1c consistently under 50 over the years, no other conditions other than Type 1. I've been given plenty of tasks to do from home which is alleviating pressure for others at the school and easily equates to me pulling my weight.

 

[London36_]

Hi all, hope you're doing well. Just to debunk the myth that CEV was only for Type 1s with high HbA1c or additional conditions, I received an email confirming I was still on the CEV list and should not go to work.

The guidance states medical professionals can add people at their discretion, one consideration could be job. Teaching is a profession where distancing can be impossible depending on the setting you're in, so my consultant and GP agreed I should shield given the number of positive tests in my local area and school setting. I'm under 40, perfectly healthy weight, HbA1c consistently under 50 over the years, no other conditions other than Type 1. I've been given plenty of tasks to do from home which is alleviating pressure for others at the school and easily equates to me pulling my weight.

Thanks so much for info. I’m in the same boat teaching hundreds of teenagers where it’s impossible to socially distance. I’ve not had the email so it’s very awkward as I think my school think I’m lying or something.

 

[KK123]

Hi all, hope you're doing well. Just to debunk the myth that CEV was only for Type 1s with high HbA1c or additional conditions, I received an email confirming I was still on the CEV list and should not go to work.

The guidance states medical professionals can add people at their discretion, one consideration could be job. Teaching is a profession where distancing can be impossible depending on the setting you're in, so my consultant and GP agreed I should shield given the number of positive tests in my local area and school setting. I'm under 40, perfectly healthy weight, HbA1c consistently under 50 over the years, no other conditions other than Type 1. I've been given plenty of tasks to do from home which is alleviating pressure for others at the school and easily equates to me pulling my weight.

That's the problem isn't it, it seems different everywhere. I am type 1 and in a very high risk job but never so much as received a text from my Drs never mind a shielding letter. I don't think I'd call it a myth though because t seems the vast majority of people with 'normal' diabetes did not receive shielding letters. It sounds like you had an individual full discussion with your GP & consultant specifically about this though so maybe that's the key? If you make the 'business case' for a letter you just might get one. x

 

[becca59]

Over 60, Type 1, not overweight. Good HBA1C of 47 Lichus Planus which is an autoimmune condition. Supposed to shield last time. Email from NHS received this time telling me what to do. If I went to work which I don’t, wouldn’t have to. Weekly support emails from Leeds City Council and regular texts from my Gp. Cannot complain. Beginning to think it’s a bit of a postcode lottery. Also dependent on how good your consultant led team is. Mine is A1.

 

[Daphne917]

Over 60, Type 1, not overweight. Good HBA1C of 47 Lichus Planus which is an autoimmune condition. Supposed to shield last time. Email from NHS received this time telling me what to do. If I went to work which I don’t, wouldn’t have to. Weekly support emails from Leeds City Council and regular texts from my Gp. Cannot complain. Beginning to think it’s a bit of a postcode lottery. Also dependent on how good your consultant led team is. Mine is A1.

I think you’re correct re it being a postcode lottery or even as to how efficient your GP practice is. My OH has various health problems inc AF and Parkinson’s and, much to the surprise of everyone inc a friend who is a nurse, did not receive a shielding letter. However our surgery has never been the most proactive - usually takes them about 2-3 months to change his meds after a visit to his neurologist and that’s after we’ve had to remind them!!

 

[PeteN11]

Thanks so much for info. I’m in the same boat teaching hundreds of teenagers where it’s impossible to socially distance. I’ve not had the email so it’s very awkward as I think my school think I’m lying or something.

Maybe get your employer to read the current Government guidance. If you were CEV before you DO NOT go to work this time around either.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...ng-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

 

[London36_]

Maybe get your employer to read the current Government guidance. If you were CEV before you DO NOT go to work this time around either.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...ng-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

I did think this but they are saying I’m not without a new letter

 

[Pipp]

Hi @London36_
I am classed extremely clinically vulnerable.
Had shielding letters at the very beginning in March, and in the interim from NHS. In addition my local council contacted me asking me to register with them, in case extra support was needed, such as deliveries of food or prescriptions. Although I didn’t need that sort of support, I did register as a sort of ‘insurance’. A few days ago I received an email from Local council, advising shielding again, but just to go out to exercise. Also advised that I would receive notification from Government. The notification from Government came via email. It had my NHS number and DOB. Advice was not to go to work, but work from home if possible. Also that I should not go to shops, pharmacies, anywhere with crowds. Oh and to stay at least 2 metres from everyone, even those I live with. That last bit I cannot comply with. Just live in an average size house, not a mansion with multiple kitchens , bathrooms and living rooms.

What I think triggered the recent shielding letter from Government, is that as well as diabetes , and having a health condition and medication that suppresses my immune system, is that I registered with Local Authority at the beginning. Perhaps your Local Authority could advise or assist you?

 

[PeteN11]

I did think this but they are saying I’m not without a new letter

First paragraph of the guidance states....(my highlights)
"This guidance is for everyone in England who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable. If you are in this group, you will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from your GP telling you this. You may have been advised to shield in the past."

It does later say they will write to you with a copy of this guidance but that could be days away yet.

Good luck.

 

[becca59]

@Pipp I too received the ability to register with my local council. I did, because as you say who knows wether you might need it or not.

 

[Robinredbreast]

I received this email on Friday. I work as a school escort and in very close contact with the children and a teacher comes to the transport. I am not overly keen on my GP anyway, but I have never had a shielding letter or an email. Type 1 for 31 years, age 62, with a few medical conditions, two other auto immune conditions as well. I am still working.

 

[Robinredbreast]

@Pipp I too received the ability to register with my local council. I did, because as you say who knows wether you might need it or not.

Hi @becca59, can you say why you received the ability to register with your council and why it is necessary? TIA

 

[Pipp]

Do you feel that you ought to be included in the Clinically extremely vulnerable category, @Robinredbreast ?
I believe the original decisions on inclusion were made by GPs based on individual health records. Most likely run a computer check, rather than individual scrutiny by any HCP.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Do you feel that you ought to be included in the Clinically extremely vulnerable category, @Robinredbreast ?
I believe the original decisions on inclusion were made by GPs based on individual health records. Most likely run a computer check, rather than individual scrutiny by any HCP.

No, I didn't imply that. I would just like to find out what the council has to do with shielding. ?

 

[Pipp]

No, I didn't imply that. I would just like to find out what the council has to do with shielding. ?

Ah, right. Was just clarifying, as it wasn’t apparent.
Some Local Authorities, mine included, are ensuring no residents are unsupported during the pandemic, and are helping out by such things as providing assistance to people who have been told to shield by liaising with supermarkets, to give priority delivery slots, and providing volunteers to collect and deliver prescriptions. There was also a free food box delivery, for those requesting it if they had no other way to get food. I am fortunate not to have needed assistance from Local Council, as I have caring family who can shop, etc. I did register with Council, though, as should my family be in the unfortunate position to become infected with covid, and have to quarantine, I would be grateful for outside assistance.
Hope that helps, @Robinredbreast .

 

[becca59]

Hi @becca59, can you say why you received the ability to register with your council and why it is necessary? TIA

I received it because I was contacted by the department of health to say I was clinically vulnerable back in March/April. I also received the new email last week informing me again of my vulnerability. So that email could have been used as evidence to not work, if I did, and couldn’t work from home.
As I said earlier I am sure it is dependent on a post code lottery. I don’t personally feel particularly vulnerable. But that is just me mentally I think. I do not need to go to work, we have our shopping delivered. Have not been to a pub/restaurant/non food shops/takeaways since this began. Have managed 2 self catering, very socially distanced holidays and I volunteer in the village gardening. As the others are in their 70s/80s we are very good socially distancing there too. The only thing I do do is we are back looking after our 3 year old grandson. For me and my husband this was non negotiable. He starts school next September and it is not time he or us will ever get back. If we get it off him so be it. To be honest I don’t feel nervous about it. Only time will tell. The important thing is that I absolutely don’t mix with anyone else that could put them in danger. My own personal danger is for me to decide.