NHS worker and shielding.

[dietnopelovechocolatetoomuch]

Hi everybody.
Hope everyone is coping with the recent 'lockdown'
I have a quandary I was hoping I could get some help with.
I'm a staff nurse working within a ward in a hospital. I also have what is classified as severe asthma.
The government have stated those with severe asthma have to shield I.e. no contact with outside world for 12 weeks. However the NHS rightly or wrongly are wanting me to work in a non clinical area of my ward. This means I will have no patient contact and I will work in a room with a phone and a computer on my own. I will however have to use the ward 'kitchen' facilities and also the ward toilet.
I am completely torn as to what to do. My husband has categorically said I am not going and that they can fire me as my health comes first.
Wise people of Mumsnet what would you do!?
Sorry for long post, trying not to drip feed!

I’m front line NHS (emergency department) and also have severe asthma (along with other conditions) and I received a Shielding text.
My trust have asked me to work in a support role from home.

Your husband is right. Go home.

You need to listen to the potential widower your husband, above your bosses. He is the one who knows your history and genuinely cares about you. They care about getting the work done.

I'm in the same situation - severe asthma (frequently hospitalised and on one of listed combination inhalers) and also another immune condition.

Currently work as a nurse in a walk-in-centre but have been told I will be redeployed to a front line role.

Have had a sign off letter from the GP - but work are saying there is no way I can stay shielded for 12 weeks and they need me to work. Also Occ Health are agreeing with them.

Absolutely terrified as to what to do. Really want to help; but absolutely terrified that I am hospitalised with even the normal flu.

Have another meeting tomorrow morning, but they're still sticking to wanting me to work.

Shielding advice is for the 1.5million most vulnerable people in the UK. Letters are being sent to arrive by 29 March with more detailed information. Have you had a letter yet OP? If you're not in this category, but in the high risk category instead, then what they have proposed seems reasonable.

If you get a letter and are very high risk, then personally I'd ask to work from home or take leave, unpaid if necessary.

If you’re not in direct contact with patients and are in a position to ask colleagues to keep away, then you can do your job.
If you don’t want to go to work then ask your gp for a certificate.

@dietnopelovechocolatetoomuch
I am in a similar situation to you as of today. As a practitioner I have carefully read the guidance on asthma.org this came into place on the 22.3.20 it clearly states what classes as a ‘high dose’ use of steroids. I would advise you also read your employment contract and your trust sickness policy. Each trust has a occupational/employee health department to deal with these queries and concerns.

I have also been in contact with an employment lawyer who has provided me with advice reading all. Your GP has provided you with the appropriate documentation, then you are to be shielded. This is valid. Working in an office of a hospital with a phone is social distancing not shielding, you are vulnerable.

With the greatest respect, we can all do our bit to help but as a vulnerable who is high risk to end up in critical care, is taking up more resources and taking away valuable skills you could be putting elsewhere.

We must all come together in this terrible time, supporting one another in an appropriate manner.

Best of luck x

Hugs, it's a horrible situation. I would stay home as if you get sick and need a ventilator, that's a ventilator another patient can't have. The first rule of dealing with a medical emergency is always to ensure your own safety first, otherwise you risk giving the medical responders yet another casualty to cope with.

I am in a high risk group but not a shielding group. I am going to stay working front line clinical care. My choice. The way we are going, it’s probably not going to make much difference. There will be so many nurses and doctors either sick, shielding, isolating, scared to go in and feigning symptoms or dead that there won’t be enough staff to actually run the ICUs and wards and everyone will be up shut creek

Shit creek even

As a nurse I wouldn't be going if I jad your issues

Again thank you all for your advice and wisdom. I haven't come to a decision yet, off to bed and hopefully will come up with a clear solution by the morning.
I just wanted to add at a time like this it's so wonderful that people can come together on this platform without judgement. Thank you all and I hope you all stay safe and well.

@Doggybiccys Amen to that!