Thread 3 shielding chat

[AuntieSocia1]

I hope this unimaginative thread title doesn't put off all the amazing posters from this group!

As we transition into this new phase things could get interesting....

Waves to lurkers

Thanks very much for the new thread @AuntieSocia1.

Previous thread here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3921951-shielding-chat-continues-thread-2?watched=1&msgid=97608969#97608969

Response to shielding question in today’s Downing St Press conference (also posted end of last thread) here:

The question from a member of the public was about when the updated shielding guidance will be available. The education secretary said “in the coming weeks very shortly we’ll be getting that advice out to them, giving the advice that they need to make sure that they know that they can go out safely and who is needing to continue to take those special protective measures”

Thanks for the new thread. This delay in letting us know what is going on just reiterates that we’re not seen as people with lives, jobs, plans etc. It’s almost the end of June, employers want to know if we will be back or not. It’s frustrating!

Well I have a little bit of positive news, I had to visit the GP today which in itself isn't great but I decided to walk there as it's not too far from me and I felt ok. People actually crossed the street to avoid each other which was bizarre to experience but I was very grateful. It felt nice to feel safe outside and has really given me a boost.

Thank you @AuntieSocia1 for the new thread and thanks @Egghead68 for the link.

So frustrating waiting for information. I’m guessing we just have to make our own risk assessments. I’ll prepare myself for being back in the classroom 1st July.

Not to take away from my positive news but the thought of being in an office when shielding 'ends' does still fill me with dread. I also have to say I'm thinking about the end as a pause as per the NI advice. I hope that's wrong but I'd rather be mentally prepared if we have to do this again.

Thanks for the new thread

They were talking before about sending us all letters by 30th June and they also talked about a personalised approach to shielding, taking into account age, race and all our medical conditions together.
What’s the betting these letters simply tell us to discuss our own circumstances with our consultants in order to come up with a personalised plan about which precautions to take after 31st July? And what’s the betting we won’t be able to get appointments with our consultants because they are too busy dealing with the NHS backlog?

Thanks for the new thread @AuntieSocia1 and so glad you were able to go for a little walk.

@Egghead68 I suspect that might be the case. I just don't see how NHS England can come up with 2 million individualised plans in 11 days time. I imagine the letter will be very generalised, it might possibly list conditions still needing to shield. It will doubtless cause widespread confusion, sigh....

Hi all can I join? We are shielding because of my sons brittle asthma. He takes 8 steroid tablets a day, montelukast, azythromycin long term and 3 inhalers. We had an updated letter last week (Wales) saying that any shielding children should not return to school and the schools also.said any siblings of shielding children should not return to school. I just don't see how I can return him to school this year to be honest he averages a chest infection or asthma flare up every month. Plus always after easter/summer/christmas holidays on return to school he gets very unwell. It just feels like life is getting back to normal but we are still bloody terrified.

Well I can't even get past my oncologist's secretary as he's not doing follow up appointments at the moment. When I asked my gp about medication side effects he just told me to ask the oncologist so I won't hold my breath for a personal letter.

Thanks for the new thread
@Egghead68 I completely agree about the letter. I am worried that if it doesn't arrive by 30th June and there's no proper announcement my headteacher will just expect me back on 1st July. It's the not knowing that's the worst. I feel I need to mentally prepare myself but can't if I don't know what for!

@AuntieSocia1 glad your walk went well. My GP said today that I will need to go in for bloods soon so your experience is reassuring.

Just checking in to shiny new thread: thanks AuntieSocia1

Well interesting. I'm wfh now as finally got all my kit. Checked my roster and I'm down as wfh until beginning of September.

I saw my haem team this week

No sign that any blood cancer patients will be released

How that’s going to work for children (as all DC are to be in school in autumn), especially as blood cancers are the commonest childhood cancers, is pretty unclear. Force them into school? Or erase them from the group of ‘all’ children?

Thanks for nee thread

Hello, I have been but think this is a name change. Indeed want to know what’s happening. Feeling bleak as in the ethnic group at risk. Shielding for a relative but now feeling a bit worried about myself as well even though I’m fit and healthy.

Thank you for the new thread @AuntieSocia1 😘
Yep. I think I’m going to have to mentally prepare myself for a return to the classroom in 11days. Feel physically sick at the thought. Not sure whether to disregard drs advise and go for a walk tomorrow in preparation or ring him Monday for more info, but he probably knows as much as we do. I just need to start getting my head ready for whatever they throw at us.
Hi @OohKittens 👋 I feel your terror x

@rugbymummy it’s already been leaked that shielding will be extended to 31st July so unless that was fake news you hopefully won’t need to go back to work so soon.

I really hope so @Egghead68 but I just don’t trust them at all now. I’d rather be prepared.

Don’t blame you

@iVampire I've got a haematology appointment on the 14th July so going to see what he says as he usually gives good advice

Where was the leak?
My consultant wrote to a random Gp at my practice and said I was currently shielding and would have to continue to shield. I assume that means I'm going to have to stay shielded.
I was hoping things would ease up for us all on 30/06.
I haven't had to tell work I'm shielded and I'm not entirely sure how I'll raise it if I have to. It makes conversation a bit inhibiting

Leak was here and reported by other media:

www.hsj.co.uk/news/exclusive-shielding-programme-for-two-million-high-risk-patients-to-be-dropped/7027857.article

Marking my place.