What steps will the Minister take to ensure the safety of shielded people should they require essential, face to face , NHS treatment while shielding?
Through additional investment from the government, healthcare professionals have been able to offer a wider range of consultation options, including video consultations, minimising the need for face-to-face appointments.
Where face-to-face appointments are necessary, guidance has been issued to ensure the potential for non-essential contact with people who are shielding is minimised. This includes directional flow through clinical areas, and increased gaps between interventions to minimise contact and allow effective cleaning.
These measures have benefitted all patients, not just those who are shielding.
If people on the Welsh shielded list need to attend an outpatient appointment or diagnostic procedure then they should use a medical mask. NHS organisations have been made aware of the need to provide medical masks to the shielded community as required.