Advice for the general public and vulnerable people

Advice for patients who are clinically extremely vulnerable

Shielding has resumed in England, and people who need to shield (those defined as clinically extremely vulnerable) should not attend work, school, college or university.

Some of our patients will be defined as clinically extremely vulnerable, and are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. There are 2 ways you may be identified as clinically extremely vulnerable:

• You have one or more of the conditions listed on the government website, or
• Your clinician or GP has added you to the 'shielded' patients list because, based on their clinical judgement, they deem you to be at higher risk of serious illness if you catch the virus. You will have received a letter and/or text from the NHS with details on shielding.

Patients who have been advised to shield can get support, for example priority access to supermarket deliveries. Please visit the government website for more information. You should continue to attend your hospital appointments and access the care you need. 

In addition to this, please read our information leaflet 'Your wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic'. This leaflet was developed for our patients who need to sheild, but others may find the information helpful as well. It contains some top tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic and signposts to other available resources.

We also have a COVID-19 information page which provides the latest information about the trust and our services during the pandemic here.

Food supplies and support services for vulnerable people

Click here for a list of services that can offer help with food shopping and other practical support if you need to self-isolate or have been recently discharged from hospital during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and services will vary by area. Please refer to the organisations directly for further advice.

You can also register for support with NHS volunteer responders by calling: 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 daya a week).

Advice for the general public

The government’s guidance about COVID-19 is regularly updating and it is important to keep up to date with the latest information. The most up to date advice can be found here.