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 Society for Endocrinology have released updated advice for patients (28 April)
Download the latest advice for patients with adrenal insufficiency
Download the latest advice for patients with diabetes insipidus
Download the latest advice for patients with Cushing's Disease
For children with AI:
Children AI patients are considerably less likely to be affected than adults with AI. The rules for adults are unlikely to apply to the majority of children. However, children should have increased oral steroids as they have been advised for any illness. It’s key that parents get medical help if the child is significantly unwell.
Please see sick day rules for children which can be downloaded for free
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 >
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.
Extended Helpline Hours
Our helplines have now resumed the normal hours
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
