NHS Letters For High Risk Group

I would like to know why the people who are identified as being "clinically vulnerable" or at "high risk" of contracting coronavirus do not receive NHS letters? My idea is that they ought to receive such a letter.

Why the contribution is important

Without these letters, vulnerable people will be left to the mercy of their employers. Some businesses will implement the government's guidance less strictly than others, putting high risk individuals at undue risk of contracting Covid-19. Being vulnerable people fare less well in terms of mortality from Covid-19, this will effectively put their lives at risk. Many vulnerable people will therefore have to choose between their lives and their livelihoods.

With these letters, vulnerable people would be in a stronger bargaining position when it comes to protecting their health and well-being. It would also allow vulnerable people to decide for themselves whether they would like to return to work in the current circumstances or continue being furloughed until suitable adjustments are made.

by Jade on May 06, 2020 at 05:54PM

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Average rating: 4.3
Based on: 8 votes

Comments

  • Posted by dalmanations May 06, 2020 at 20:34

    I absolutely agree with this 100%. As an asthmatic and a teacher, I am vulnerable to all the bugs that go around the school normally. Surely everyone who routinely is given the flu jab at their GP should have received a letter of “proof” of their existing medical conditions to give to their employer.

  • Posted by Likemin May 06, 2020 at 20:41

    Agree. I initially shielded due to the government advice at the beginning (asthma + flu vaccine). After 5 weeks I was asked for a note to prove I require to shield. I could not produce one because of the letters only going out to the one category. So I have had to return to work.

  • Posted by Ladybug May 06, 2020 at 21:11

    Whilst I agree we had to do something to support these vulnerable people but now we have a blanket policy for a dispirit group of people by age, gender and condition. Many of these people manage risk at all other times due to their conditions and personal circumstances.
    Now is the time to look at these people as individuals and use a proper risk and informed consent model to determine who can be released from this enforced isolation.
    If there are standard guides in relation to masks, social distancing, hand washing and safe spacing in work areas we can all get back to some sort of reasoned normality and support people’s mental and physical health.

  • Posted by tob63 May 06, 2020 at 22:14

    I am classed as at risk due to having flu jab however I have had 8 sick days in 20yrs each case should be on a case by case basis.
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