TENS of thousands of cancer patients still havent received NHS coronavirus shielding letters, a top doctor is warning.

Countless individuals across the country should have been contacted to tell them they are clinically extremely vulnerable and need to take stringent measures to protect themselves from the coronavirus threat.

1

The NHS started writing to high-risk people seven weeks ago urging them to remain at home at all times.

However, Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer, has revealed that droves of cancer patients have not yet received their letters - and he is now urging charities to assist in tracing the missing patients.

His appeal comes after Government yesterday increased its estimate of the number of people at greatest risk of severe illness should they become infected with Covid-19 from 1.5million to 2.5million.

In the new a 50-page lockdown plan, it statedthat it had identified 2.5 million people who were clinically extremely vulnerable and advised to shield.

Professor Johnsons letter, seen by The Times, reads: "We are still receiving reports of cancer patients who believe that they should have received a shielding letter but have not yet received one or have not been added to the national list.

It is crucial that those who are clinically extremely vulnerable receive a letter advising them to shield

"It is crucial that those who are clinically extremely vulnerable receive a letter advising them to shield.

"As well as ensuring their safety through shielding, the letter provides evidence to employers and enables these patients to access government support to the shielding cohort."

Those deemed "high-risk" include those with suppressed immune systems, such as cancer and transplant patients.

These individuals are strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact -with couples being forced to sleep in separate bedrooms and parents advised to keep away from their children.

Those who are shielding are also not allowed to attend any gatherings at all, with very limited exceptions.

Who is clinically extremely vulnerable?

Expert doctors in England have identified specific medical conditions that, based on what we know about the virus so far, place someone at greatest risk of severe illness from Covid-19.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people may include the following people. Disease severity, history or treatment levels will also affect who is in the group.

1. Solid organ transplant recipients.

2. People with specific cancers:

3. People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD).

4. People with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such asSCID, homozygous sickle cell).

5. People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.

6. Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.

People who fall in this group should have been contacted to tell them they are clinically extremely vulnerable.

If youre still concerned, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.Source: GOV.UK

However, the messaging system has been plagued with problems - with 107,000 being wrongly told they were high risk, according to the Health Service Journal.

And GPs have only now started sending out letters saying they can carry out essential activities outdoors - more than a month after they were locked down.

On top of this, 10,000 dead people were also sent letters from NHS England.

Macmillan Cancer Support are now urging the Government to get on top of the missing letters.

Lynda Thomas, from the chairty, said: We must urgently see a plan from the government that sets out how every vulnerable person will be identified and supported to stay safe as they face further months of isolation in total lockdown.

The Government is currently advising people to shield until the end of June and is regularly monitoring this position.

Those in the shielding cohortare eligible for help, such as food parcels and prescription deliveries, from the NHS volunteer army.

An NHS spokesman said: Hospitals and family doctors have helped identify and contact more than 1.28 million people that have been asked to take particular care staying at home, but if anyone with cancer is concerned that they should also be added they can contact their GP or hospital clinician.

Matt Hancock is considering extending the 12-week shielding period for the most vulnerable Brits.

The Health Secretary told Sky News: We've asked those being shielded to avoid as much contact as possible for 12 weeks."

Live Blog

COVID CRISISLIVE: Chancellor Rishi Sunak extends furlough scheme until end of October

GAME ONWill players wear masks and how can I watch? How the Premier League will return

BUZZKILLWorkers to wear wristbands that vibrate when they break two metre distancing rule

DRUG DEALCovid-19 patients with mild symptoms can get experimental drugs as trial starts

BOWLED OUTSpain to cut beach capacity by 60% and ban games under new coronavirus rules

WHATSAPPENING?PL stars using WhatsApp group to send texts with fears over Project Restart

WAGING ONFurlough expected 'to be extended until September' - how it will affect you

PERIOD DRAMAHow coronavirus lockdown affects your period - and what to do about it

TRAVEL SAFECommuting after lockdown: wear a mask, cycle if you can & leave big bags behind

RACE OFFWhat F1 races have been cancelled due to coronavirus and when does season start?

"We may have to extend that 12 weeks but we hope not to.

Mr Hancock said he hoped to release some measures before a vaccine is found if cases continue to fall.

He added: "If we succeed in doing that we will be able to take clinical advice on whether it is safe for those who are shielded to, for instance, hug their grandchildren. That is right at the front of my mind."

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW

Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.

To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - find out more.

Go here to see the original:
Tens of thousands of cancer patients STILL havent received NHS coronavirus shielding letters - The Sun