My Health Care during Covid-19

I take an immuno-suppressant for Rheumatoid Arthritis. At first I didn't know whether I was in the 'extremely vulnerable' category or not. My GPSurgery said I was definitely 'high risk' so I thought I needed to shield. I applied to register for the government's scheme and their reply was "contact your GP and ask her/him to confirm to us that you are in that category", so I phoned the surgery and passed on that message but the person I spoke to (receptionist??) said she had never heard of this and didn't seem to know what to do. I heard nothing further about this.

Apart from the above, which made me feel a bit of a fraud, my GP surgery have been wonderful throughout and I have felt very safe and cared for there. The dispensary staff have been outstandingly helpful. Visits for regular blood tests have been fine and the surgery has been very quiet. Telephone consultations with GPs have been satisfactory.

I had two visits to X-ray at Westmorland General during lockdown and felt safe there. I accompanied the gentleman I care for to an appointment to see the Consultant Neurologist at WGH and the procedures were clear and safe.