Do the updates to the ‘clinically vulnerable’ list affect you?
With new evidence and information our government has made appropriate additions to the group categorised as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable group’. The Welsh Government will be sending a letter in the coming weeks informing all kidney patients at stage 5 (dialysis and transplant) that they have now been added to the Shielding list.
Chronic kidney disease (stage 5) patients are added to the shielding list.
“We now have evidence to suggest that those with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) and those undergoing dialysis, as well as adults with Down’s Syndrome, are at higher risk from COVID-19 than the general population and therefore the Chief Medical Officer has advised they follow the new guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable. We have asked the NHS to begin the process of identifying and contacting all those affected, providing them with the latest advice.”
Authorities and professionals are learning more about the coronavirus every day. Recent research and findings have prompted our government to add more medical conditions to the clinically vulnerable list. This decision, made by the Chief Medical Officers, will affect Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. A letter will be sent to the individuals and patients affected by the announcement of these changes. This letter does not mean that you must shield automatically. This new letter is being sent to inform those affected to prepare them for any future decisions to bring back shielding and to allow them to access any additional support available. However, we must all continue to be vigilant and protect ourselves.
- Please remember to wash your hands regularly, use soap and water for 20 seconds or until you see bubbles forming. Use hand sanitiser if hand washing facilities are not available.
- Stay 2 metres or 3 steps away from people you do not live with inside or outside (where this is permitted).
- Wear a face covering where required – If you are a kidney patient under the care of Welsh medicine, you can apply for a free Kidney Wales face covering here.
- Clean surfaces regularly and avoid touching surfaces others have touched.
- Shop online or consider doing one big shop at quieter times of the day – Those considered ‘clinically vulnerable’ have priority access to supermarket delivery slots. The supermarkets that offer home delivery in Wales have been sent details of those who have received this letter. You can register for these services through the supermarkets’ websites.
If you have any questions please email us Brett@kidneywales.cymru
Helpful links