The NHS Steroid Emergency Card has recently been launched to improve patient safety for those with adrenal insufficiency. The card will alert medical professionals across the NHS to your dependence on hydrocortisone.

The card includes areas for you to fill in your personal details, as well as basic information and a QR code linking to the SfE’s guide to treating adrenal insufficiency

patient safety alert has been released alongside the card to raise awareness of its importance amongst NHS medical professionals.

We recommend all adults with adrenal insufficiency should carry this card, either as well as or instead of our hydrocortisone awareness card.

Click here for the steroid card for children and adolescents >

How can I get a card?

Hard copies can now be obtained in England, we will share updates when they are available in devolved nations. The Patient Safety Alert covers all devolved nations.

There are 3 ways of obtaining a card:

  1. Through community pharmacies– please let them know you have had the relevant patient education and are aware of sick day rules. You may wish to show a clinical letter or similar but that is not essential. If you lose your card the community pharmacy team can also provide a replacement.
  2. Your GP when having your next routine review if they are the lead professional managing your steroid replacement care plan 
  3. Hospital teams at your next appointment

Due to the current health pandemic, please be aware there is likely to be a delay in receiving the card due to health services being busy. 

You can also download a pdf copy here, to print yourself >

Some patients are using the image as a background on their phones instead or as well as carrying the card. Click here to download an image you can use as a phone background (or just take a screenshot)

This is a vital move in improving patient safety for those with adrenal insufficiency and we are looking forward to seeing the improvements as this scheme rolls out. A special thank you to Dr Helen Simpson, who has led the development of this card, for her unwaivering commitment to improving patient safety.