To reduce the infection risk to our patients, we are offering a mixture of face-to-face and telephone appointments as deemed appropriate for individual patient needs.
If you have a telephone appointment please wait by your telephone and we will contact you on the day around the time of your appointment. Please do not just turn up to the hospital as you will not be able to be seen.
You can still contact our ILD specialist nurses by telephone on 01223 638018.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I at an increased risk?
Patients with chronic heart or lung disease are known to be at increased risk of developing severe illness with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are categorised as clinically vulnerable. There is a further group of people defined as clinically extremely vulnerable and these people will have received a letter during the first lockdown period back in spring 2020.
What can I do to keep myself safe?
Follow national guidance in order to keep safe and reduce the spread of the virus. The guidance changes over time and it is important to stay updated.
- Get vaccinated - Get both doses of a coronavirus vaccine and your booster dose when eligible.
- Meet outdoors - Meeting outdoors is safer because fresh air helps to blow the virus away. If you meet indoors, let in some fresh air. The more you let in, the less likely you are to inhale infectious particles.
- Face - Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed areas.
- Test and isolate - Get tested regularly and isolate if you develop symptoms or return a positive result.
- Hands - Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
- Work from home - Work from home as much as possible.
Coronavirus vaccinations.
We encourage all patients with interstitial lung disease to have a 'booster dose' of the coronavirus vaccine. This is being organised locally by GP practices.
A small percentage of patients will be eligible for a 'third primary dose' of the vaccine and then also a 'booster dose' six months later. This is recommended for patients who were taking certain types of immunosuppressive medications at the time of their first and second doses. If you feel this applies to you and you have not received a letter frm us then please get in touch via our specialist nurses phoneline on 01223 638018.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
It is extremely important that you do not go directly Royal Papworth Hospital or to your GP. Please seek advice on the NHS 111 website. The symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as many other problems in patients who have ILD which can make it difficult to decide the best course of action. You should monitor your symptoms closely and we recommend increased vigilance including recording your temperature.
If you are unwell, you may be asked to attend your local hospital.
Please continue to follow advice regarding social distancing and wash your hands stringently and regularly.
What should I do if I think I have been in contact with someone with COVID-19?
If you have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a coronavirus test.
Should I self-isolate or work from home?
You should work from home where possible. If you cannot work from home you are advised to speak with your line manager for a risk assessment regarding your return to work.
Will I still be able to access my homecare medicines pirfenidone and nintedanib?
If you are currently receiving pirfenidone or nintedanib from Homecare, this will continue. The main change people may experience is that drivers may not ask for a signature and may stay a safe distance away from patients by setting the parcel down and then walking away and watching for recipient to pick up the parcel. No medicines will be left unattended.
Please refer to our frequently asked questions about Pharmacy Homecare.
How you can help...
As usual, make sure you have enough ‘buffer stock’ by keeping at least two to four weeks’ worth of your medicines at all times and request repeat prescriptions or homecare deliveries well in advance of this supply running out. That will give your pharmacy or homecare provider enough time to deal with any shortages should they arise. It is important to note that this is standard practice for our patients and not new advice.
If you are experiencing any difficulty getting hold of a supply of your medicines or if you have any concerns about their availability, please let the ILD team know as soon as possible.