Coronavirus Advice
As a charity, we are closely monitoring the progress of the coronavirus outbreak. We have put these guidelines together to help pituitary patients stay safe.
Latest Update
The latest advice (23 Mar) for patients can be downloaded here >
Here is Prof. Baldeweg explaining the guidance (6pm, 23 Mar):
The NHS have also released their new steroid card, which can be downloaded here >
Our Head of Patient Services, Pat McBride, is a pituitary patient herself and has written a message to all pituitary patients. Read it here >
Extended Helpline Hours
Due to increased demand, both our helplines are running extended hours this week.
Our Patient Support Helpline will be returning to the normal hours of 10am - 4pm from 30th Mar on 0117 370 1320
Our Nurse Helpline will be open for the following hours this week on 0117 370 1317:
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Monday 30th Mar |
09:00 – 2:00pm |
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Tuesday 31st Mar |
09.00 - 2.00pm |
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Wednesday 1st Apr |
09:00 – 2:00pm |
FAQs
Our Endocrine Nurse, Pauline, has put together this information answering common questions our patients may have. Click here
Get Red Flagged
Now is a good time to make sure you are red flagged with your local ambulance trust (where available). Click on the below links to find your local ambulance service. You can then contact them and ask to be electronically flagged as a steroid dependent patient.
Ambulance trusts in
England > Wales > Scotland > Northern Ireland >
Advice for Self-Care
Click here to download our top tips for protecting your emotional and mental health
Medication Supplies
You should ensure you have enough spare steroid medication, and should contact your GP asking for at least one extra month to be prescribed, preferably two. In the event that GP is reluctant to prescribe more, please refer them to the Society for Endocrinology’s statement regarding advice to patients who take replacement steroids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone or plenadren)
If you need to ask your GP to prescribe additional hydrocortisone, you can download our letter template here >
Useful Publications
For patient with adrenal insufficiency, it is important to follow the Hydrocortisone Sick Day Rules if you are unwell. You may need to increase your hydrocortisone dose during sickness so please read these carefully.
Our Patient Care Card is useful to have with you in the event of illness to make medical professionals aware of your condition
Please note that orders in the shop may take around a week to arrive, however all our publications can be downloaded for free from our website.
Government Advice
The Foundation will continue to follow advice from the government and our Medical Committee and we will continue to share relevant updates via our website and social media.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
