News

We know that this is a difficult and challenging time for everyone – but particularly so for adults and children living with domestic abuse.

You are not alone!

If you are in need of support, do not hesitate to seek it. For all the contact details and support services you need in the West Midlands, click on the link below:

Domestic abuse support information

Use this service if you have to stay at home because of coronavirus and you need a note for your employer.

If you have to stay at home but feel well enough to work, ask your employer if you can work from home. If you can work from home, you will not need an isolation note.

You can also use this service for someone else.

Please use the following link:  https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

If you are concerned about the effects coronavirus may have on your health, we have included below, a produced list that may provide you with the advice that you need.

We fully understand that this is a worrying time and our patients have lots of questions but it is putting a phenomenal demand on our phone lines, we like everyone else are being led by the guidance that is released daily. Our reception team are working tirelessly round the clock to answer calls as quickly as possible but they are unable to give condition specific covid-19 advice.

General NHS advice

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Pituitary/ adrenal insufficiency 

https://www.endocrinology.org/news/item/14050/Coronavirus-advice-statement-for-patients-with-adrenal%2fpituitary-insufficiency

Underlying lung disease 

https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus

People with Asthma

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/

People with Diabetes

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus%3famp.

People affected by Stroke

https://www.stroke.org.uk/news/coronavirus-information-people-affected-stroke

Pregnant women

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

Children/young people T1 diabetes

https://jdrf.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-people-living-with-type-1-diabetes/

People with Heart/circulatory disease

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/coronavirus-and-your-health

Older people

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/#

Young people with anxiety

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/

Adults with anxiety

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

https://www.nras.org.uk/news/coronavirus-what-we-know-so-far

People with cancer

https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/media/statements/advice-coronavirus-people-cancer

People with inflammatory bowel disease

https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/news/updated-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-advice

People with Parkinson’s disease

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/understanding-coronavirus-and-parkinsons

People with Multiple Sclerosis

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/treatments-and-therapies/disease-modifying-therapies/covid-19-coronavirus-and-ms

People with liver disease and liver transplant

https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-health-advice-for-people-with-liver-disease-and-liver-transplant-patients/

People with kidney disease including dialysis

https://www.kidneycareuk.org/news-and-campaigns/coronavirus-advice/

People with epilepsy

https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/news/epilepsy-and-coronavirus-09-03-2020#.XnD_g8CnyEc

Birmingham LGBT offers an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service that provides support to LGBT people in Birmingham and the wider areas, who are experiencing abuse from partners, ex-partners and family members. It also supports LGBT people who are experiencing, or are at risk of honour based violence and forced marriage and can be reached on 0121 643 0821.

Website (copy&paste) : https://blgbt.org/domestic-violence/

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are facing a tragic loss of life, under very difficult circumstances. Being in ‘lockdown’ is tough, but for those who have lost a friend or loved one during this time, it can be even harder.

To help support those who feel isolated and are suffering as a result of a loss, a new bereavement helpline is now available to people in Birmingham and Solihull, five days a week.

If you are in need of support, there is help available. Please call 0121 687 8010.

The opening hours for the telephone support are:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am-5pm
• Tuesday, Thursday: 9am-8pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12pm-5pm (from 1 June 2020)

For local health & wellbeing services that are still available, please follow the link below:

Covid-19-Go to guide

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but if you have an unwell child it is vital that you continue to seek medical attention.

We are still open and here to look after our patients.

For more information regarding how COVID-19 can affect a child please follow the link below for lots of useful information including green, amber and red flags.

Copy & paste into your browser:
https://what0-18.nhs.uk/popular-topics/coronavirus

24 hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – 0808 2000 247

KOOTH mental health services for 11 to 25 year olds now available in Birmingham

Kooth is a new free, safe and anonymous service to support young people’s emotional and mental health in Birmingham. The new service launched in Birmingham on 13 April; with the service already being in operation in Solihull. To access the online self-referral visit www.kooth.com.