COVID-19 INFORMATION AND BEHÇET’S (as at 30th March 2020)

BEHÇET’S UK UPDATES

BEHÇET’S UK are providing regular updates on the impact of COVID-19 via their website and Social Media platforms.

Follow the link below to view their latest statement regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This will be updated regularly, as and when more information becomes available.

All patients, including those aged 16 years and under, should continue to take their medication unless directed otherwise by their consultant. If you have any questions about your medication please contact the relevant Centre of Excellence, their contact details are at the bottom of this page.

https://behcets.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/

SUPPORT COORDINATOR NON-MEDICAL INFORMATION and support

SUPPORT COORDINATOR COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) NON-MEDICAL INFORMATION

We understand that this is a very worrying time for many of you. We are receiving a high volume of emails and phone calls from patients concerned about Covid-19.

As is always the case, Support Coordinators cannot give you medical advice on your specific treatment and Covid-19 and for any such queries, you must contact the Centre of Excellence that you attend using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

The Behçet’s Centres of Excellence are asking patients with upcoming appointments who are feeling stable to get in touch with the clinic to cancel/rearrange their appointment.

Please be patient as they are also receiving a very high volume of calls and emails.

The following links might also be useful.

GOVERNMENT GENERAL UPDATES ON CORONAVIRUS

General Government updates can be found at the link below and will be updated frequently as the situation develops.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

The Government are producing specific information for employers, employees and those on benefits :

FOR EMPLOYERS:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

FOR EMPLOYEES:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

FOR THOSE ON BENEFITS

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses

Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd are also summarising the changes that have been implemented due to Coronavirus and are updating their website regularly.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/coronavirus-updates

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (COVID-19), can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things you can do to support and manage your well-being during such times.

https://behcets.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BUK-Tips-for-patients-to-manage-anxiety.pdf

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

VISITOR WARNING POSTERS

If you’re self-isolating as a preventative measure against Coronavirus (COVID-19), you might find it useful to use these posters by front doors etc.

https://chronicallyawesome.org.uk/posters-for-those-who-are-self-isolating-as-a-preventative-measure/

Your Support Coordinators are continuing to work as normal on non-medical support and for those of you on benefits, we will continue to take requests for letters of support to go with applications or renewals etc.

So please feel free to continue to contact us as normal via email, phone or text.

We all work part-time flexibly but will answer your emails or phone messages as soon as we can.

Stay safe and see you soon.

Rebecca, Jean and Jackie

URGENT NON-MEDICAL SUPPORT

SHIELDING, SELF-ISOLATION AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

A number of our patients are finding themselves in situations where they have an urgent need for support.

If you do find yourself in this position, there are various things you can do to try and get help.

There are many local organisations being set up to support the most vulnerable and more are being set up all the time.

The following list should help you get started on where to look but please contact your Support Coordinator if you are struggling to find help or the right contact details.

· On Facebook search for your local area and ‘COVID-19’ which should give you lists of local support groups.

· Local Councils are also starting to co-ordinate support efforts so please look for their pages online, or ring them to find out more.

· The elected local Councillor for your Ward should be able to point you in the right direction for local support.

· Social Services in your area may also be able to help the most vulnerable.

· Your local Food Bank

· The NHS is also currently recruiting volunteers to help support the most vulnerable.

· Many smaller independent suppliers around the country such as farm shops and zero waste grocery stores are setting up home delivery or systems of order and collect so it is worth keeping an eye on their Facebook pages or ringing to check what services they might be offering.

BASICS TO PREVENT THE VIRUS SPREADING

The Do's and Don'ts to prevent spreading and catching the virus:

DO use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
DO wash your hands as soon as you get back home
DO cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
DO put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
DON’T touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

NHS ADVICE ON HAND-WASHING

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

Other useful links including cooking on a limited food supply, please see our "Living Well" page:

https://behcetspatients.org.uk/living-well

SHIELDING, SELF-ISOLATION AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHIELDING, SELF-ISOLATION AND SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Shielding, self-isolation and social distancing are very important in order to protect yourselves and others from Coronavirus. What are they, and which should you be doing?

Social distancing is about significantly limiting face-to-face contact if you can and making sure that essential visitors (such as health care services, carers or family members) follow hand-washing and hygiene advice scrupulously. They should not visit you if you are unwell but make other arrangements for your care. You can go outside for a walk to the park or into your garden if you stay more than 3 steps (2 metres) from others.

Self-isolation is the most effective way of preventing Coronavirus spreading. Government advice is to self-isolate if you have any Coronavirus symptoms, might have been exposed to it, or live with someone with symptoms.

Staying at home and not going out. Do not leave your home to walk (such as in a park) or to visit schools or other public places. You can go into your garden if you have one.
Staying away from other people in your home. Try to keep at least 3 steps (2 metres) away from others, particularly people over 70 or with a long-term condition
Sleeping alone if you can
Not having any visitors. Ask people to leave deliveries for you outside.

Shielding is similar to self-isolating, but for longer, and is for people who are deemed extremely vulnerable due to a specific health condition.

Shielding is a way to protect people who are extremely vulnerable from coming into contact with Coronavirus by minimising all interaction between them and other people.
They are strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks. This period of time may change.
They should self-isolate. People who provide essential support, such as health care, personal support for daily needs and social care should continue to visit. But carers must stay away if they have any symptoms of Coronavirus.

For many of us, staying at home and minimising contact with our friends and family will be very difficult. It's important that even though you need to be physically apart, you stay connected with friends and family over the phone or on social media.