Swindon MPs urge vulnerable residents to sign up for coronavirus support

Swindon MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson are urging all extremely vulnerable residents in Swindon to sign up for Government Coronavirus Support and all those who are classed as vulnerable, to register locally with Swindon Borough Council.

They are also calling for anyone who has a family member, friend or neighbour who is vulnerable to check that they have signed up for the relevant Government or local support

People falling into the extremely vulnerable group who should sign up for Government Support here https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable include

1.     Solid organ transplant recipients.

2.     People with specific cancers: 

·       people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy

·       people with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy

·       people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment

·       people having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer

·       people having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors

·       people who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs

3.     People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD.

4.     People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, 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 into the vulnerable group and should sign up for support with Swindon Borough Council here https://www.swindon.gov.uk/emergencyhelp

Include those who are: 

·       aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)

·       under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds): 

·       chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

·       chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

·       chronic kidney disease

·       chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

·       chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

·       diabetes

·       problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed

·       a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

·       being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)

Both Members of Parliament can also provide assistance over the telephone to those who struggle with the internet.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “It is important that those who are extremely vulnerable sign up to the Government scheme and those who are vulnerable contact Swindon Borough Council so that we can ensure that everyone is getting the help that they need at this difficult time.

“I’ve been contacted by several local constituents who have signed as extremely vulnerable and already received food parcels from the Government, although it will take some time for everyone who has signed up to receive support.

“Wherever possible you should continue to rely on friends, family and wider support to help you meet your needs. Local Residents can also contact their MP for assistance at this time.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson added: “You may have received a letter from the NHS telling you that you’re clinically extremely vulnerable or been contacted by your GP or hospital clinician. If this has not happened, you should also contact your GP or clinician after you register with the Government scheme.”

If you are a South Swindon resident who requires help to sign up for either scheme, please ring 01793 533393 and select option 2, or email [email protected]

If you are a North Swindon resident who requires help to sign up for either scheme, please ring 01793 533393 and select option 1, or email [email protected]