Marie Curie comments on forthcoming update to guidance on shielding in England
Comment published
Commenting on the news that the UK Government is going to announce updated guidance for people in England shielding,
Adrian Tookman, Marie Curie Hampstead Hospice Medical Director, said:
“There is no doubt that updated guidance from the Government on easing shielding in England would be welcomed by many people. For those shielding who are terminally ill, and their families, this has been a very difficult and emotionally charged time. Not least because of the impact on their mental health.
“At Marie Curie we will be closely looking at the updated guidance to see what that will mean for our nine hospices and the care our nursing team deliver in people’s homes and care homes across the UK. There’s no one size fits all for this and our considerations will have to carefully take into account infection control and what supplies of PPE are available to protect our staff and families.
“People living with terminal illness are among the most vulnerable to infection and while the virus remains in the UK, I would urge people to carefully consider whether a change to their circumstances is worth the risk and to speak to their healthcare professional to take advice on their personal circumstances. Our free support line is also available for anyone to call on 0800 090 2309.”
Notes to editor
Marie Curie Nurses, doctors and Hospice staff are on the frontline of the Coronavirus crisis. Every day they are helping to support dying people to be cared for away from hospital when every bit of available capacity is needed to care for people diagnosed with the virus, and we are also providing care to those who have tested positive for coronavirus in our Hospices and who are suspected as having the virus at home across the UK.
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