Latest guidance for our ‘shielding’ patients

Posted 7th July 2020

Many of our patients have been ‘shielding’ because their cancer treatment or tumour type means they could be extremely vulnerable if they catch coronavirus (COVID-19).

If this applies to you, then you need to be aware of some changes in the guidance. Thankfully, although there are still new cases of COVID-19, there has been a decrease in the rate of transmission in the community. As a result, the Government has changed its advice for people who are shielding.

There are lots of benefits to spending time with members of your own household and spending time outdoors with up to six people from outside your household. Our advice to patients who have been shielding is to enjoy social time of this kind, in line with the new Government guidance, but also to continue being very careful.

You can reduce your risk of catching COVID-19 by staying two metres away from other people, avoiding busy places, washing your hands regularly with warm water and soap (or using handgel), and not touching your face if possible.

If you have been invited to hospital for tests or treatment, it is very important that you do come – even if you have been shielding. We will only invite you to hospital if it is important that we see you.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 and your care, you can speak to a nurse on our dedicated COVID-19 helpline - 0151 318 8048 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) - or you can speak to your clinical team.

We will update this guidance again at the end of July.