Shielding

NHS England has identified around 1.5 million patients who are at the highest risk of harm from contracting Covid-19. These patients have been advised to strictly self-isolate or Shield themselves for the next 12 weeks or until further guidance.

The patients under the care of UHCW Renal and Transplant Unit broadly fall into the following categories:

1. Kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients
2. Anybody on strong immunosuppressive drugs including (but not limited to): Tacrolimus (Adoport, Prograf, Advagraf), Ciclosporin (Neoral), Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept, Myfortic, MMF), Azathioprine, Cyclophosphamide, Rituximab
3. Anybody who has received Prednisolone at a dose of more than 20mg for at least 4 weeks during the last 6 months
4. Anybody who has frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome
5. Any dialysis patient (either Haemodialysis (including Home HD) or Peritoneal dialysis)

Patients in groups 2, 3 and 4 should have been sent letters from the UHCW Renal and Transplant Unit on 27/3/2020.

We were expecting patients in group 1 to be sent letters direct from NHS England but have heard from several transplant patients who have not received letters.

We have therefore also sent letters from UHCW to this group on 7/4/2020. Group 5 were only added by the Renal Association on 6/4/2020 so they should be sent letters on 8/4/2020.

Patients can use this letter as a certificate to confirm their shielding status.

There is a Freephone number on the letter to contact for assistance if required.

If you believe you fall into one of these categories and have not received a letter advising Shielding please contact the renal secretaries for advice (02476 968290).

 

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