Coronavirus (Covid-19) - latest information and advice for patients CORONAVIRUS - SHIELDING/UNSHIELDING - LATEST INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR PATIENTS The Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from Covid-19 in the United Kingdom can be found at the links below. In England In Scotland In Wales In Northern Ireland NKF have produced a lanyard for people to wear when out in the public, to remind others to social distance. We have had lots of great feedback about the lanyard and we have sold 16,000 to date. Please view and order the lanyard here. Please call our freephone helpline if you would like to chat to one of our advisors about your concerns - 0800 169 09 36 We know patients are very concerned about coronavirus (Covid-19). The NKF are working with the National Renal Guidance Group for Covid-19. This is a group of specialist clinicians, partners and patient charities, who are providing the latest clinical and patient guidance during these very worrying times. The NKF have written to all NHS Trust chief executives, to highlight the importance of in-centre dialysis patients wearing appropriate face masks. These are for use when travelling to and from dialysis, throughout the prescribed dialysis treatment, and in waiting and assessment areas being used both before and after treatment. Latest information for patients From Wednesday 2nd December, England will introduce a new tier system. Find out which tier you are in. Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own, read the guidance here. We are working with our colleagues to ensure the latest and most up to date information is available to patients. KQuIP COVID HD Ensuring Patient Safety - Coronavirus test information for kidney patients can be found here Read information about how you can reduce your risk of contracting Covid-19. This information is also available in Plain English. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL RESTRICTIONS THROUGHOUT THE UK Restrictions in England can be found here Regulations in Wales can be found here Protection levels for Scotland can be found here Regulations for Northern Ireland can be found here _________________________________________________________________________________________________ TRAVEL A joint statement from professional and patient societies on dialysis away from base (DAFB) can be read here More information about travelling during the pandemic is available on the GOV.UK website. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Research and studies on coronavirus can be found here _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Guidance on eating and drinking during dialysis The Renal Nutrition Group have worked with the National Kidney Federation, the British Renal Society, Renal Association and Kidney Care UK to provide some guidance on eating and drinking during dialysis. Click here to view the guidance The Renal Nutrition Group have also been working on ensuring food parcels are suitable for people living with CKD. This includes producing a list of foods that are suitable for food parcels for renal patients, and also speaking with the DEFRA (Department of Environment Food and Rural Affair). Information here _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dietary Information Some patients may have to reduce their dialysis sessions and need to watch their food and fluid intake more than ever, it's important you follow the right dietary information. The nation is cooking at home, and coming up with mouth-watering dishes for the family it not always easy. If you are a kidney patient it can be more difficult due to dietary restrictions, but here at the NKF we have a new cook book that is not only kidney friendly but healthy and flavoursome for everyone. Our cookbook is available through our online shop. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Stress and Anxiety We have put together some information to help you cope with stress and anxiety during these uncertain times. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Exercise for those who are shielding A booklet jointly prepared by Public Health England, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and the Medicine (NCSEM) has been developed to support older people and those who are shielded to be active and healthy at home. has been developed to support older people and those who are shielded to be active and healthy at home.You can download this booklet if you click here _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Research updates from NHS Blood and Transplant News about the work they are doing to reduce the impact of coronavirus _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (Covid-19) here _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Support for the extremely vulnerable Get coronavirus support as an extremely vulnerable person - Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food In England In Scotland In Wales In Northern Ireland _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Further general advice If you think you have coronavirus symptoms you can use the NHS 111 assessment. Further general information and daily updates can be found on the GOV.UK. Information and guidance for renal professionals.