Marie Curie comment on easing of shielding restrictions in Wales

In response to a co-signed letter from 32 charities, including Marie Curie, to the Welsh First Minister about easing restrictions on people who are shielding.

 

Simon Jones, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said:

“Many people who have been shielding over the last few weeks will be terminally ill and will have been fearful of not seeing the people they love one last time – something they are now able to do, but unsure of whether it is safe to do so. 

“These people are already making very difficult and very emotionally charged decisions, such as whether to have treatment or not, and now with advice from the Welsh Government that a measure of ‘reasonableness’ must be applied when adhering to the new guidelines, a confusing burden is placed on them.  To add to their decision making without any advice on where to get help makes an already difficult time even more distressing. 

“While people will be delighted at the prospect of reuniting with loved ones and making the most of the time they have left, shielding was in place to protect the most vulnerable from Coronavirus and while the virus is still in the UK those risks remain. 

“Knowing whether it is right for these people to go outside and right to visit their loved one is hard. There is no simple answer. In practice, it will be a personal and individual decision for each person to make, but one they must make with support and information at their fingertips, and guidance must be provided as to where individuals can find that information for their particular circumstances. 

“Our national support line is available for anyone to call for help, practical information and emotional support on the issue of shielding for our patients and our staff, or any other aspect of living with a terminal illness."