GPs urged to review children and add new conditions ahead of ‘imminent’ shielding update

NHS England have informed GPs that they should urgently review shielding lists for Covid-19 and remove all children who are no longer considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable, ahead of an ‘imminent’ update to Government guidance.

They have also been advised to urgently add all adults with stage 5 chronic kidney disease and those with Down’s syndrome to the list.

In a letter to sent to practices Dr Nikki Kanani, NHS England’s primary care director, said the government is ‘imminently’ expected to update the ‘advice and support available for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable alongside the new national restrictions’ coming into effect.

Acknowledging that this is ‘an extremely challenging time’ for GP practices, Dr Kanani added that NHS England is ‘asking practices’ to ‘familiarise’ themselves with the updated guidance.

They are also asking GPs to ‘immediately review any children and young people remaining o the [shielding patient list] who your practice added and, where appropriate, remove them from the SPL’.

GPs should also ‘urgently identify, contact and flag adults with Down’s syndrome’, adding that practices ‘may also want to take the opportunity to ensure they receive a flu vaccine and to schedule an annual health check if these are needed.’

Dr Kanani concluded ‘I know all of us want to ensure that those who are clinically extremely vulnerable continue to fully access appropriate NHS care … Thank you for all your continued work to identify and support our patients at greatest risk in a week when I know that there are multiple requests on your time.’

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382