Coronavirus: Transplant patients told 'keep shielding'

Transplant patients are being told by the Renal Association and Kidney Care UK to "ignore government advice" about ceasing to shield in Wales.

About 130,000 people with underlying health conditions will no longer be asked to stay indoors from Sunday.

But bodies representing transplant patients say those on the waiting list, or who have had surgery in the past three months, should keep shielding.

The Welsh Government said those patients should consult their doctor.

Fiona Loud, Kidney Care UK's chief executive, said: "People who continue to be clinically vulnerable deserve all the protection they can get from the government and people who have been lucky enough to have a transplant, they need to continue to shield.

"They need to completely self-isolate to look after that precious kidney and the chance they've been given."

Coronavirus has hit transplant patients hard. At Wales' only unit in Cardiff, no transplants at all took place between 12 March and 29 June. Although some operations are now proceeding, older patients are still not currently on the active list.

Sian Griffin, a consultant nephrologist - someone who specialises in kidneys - at University Hospital of Wales, said it was hoped operation numbers would soon return to normal, having reopened the transplant unit six weeks ago "in a staged fashion."

Changes had been made to minimise the risk of contracting coronavirus, she said.

"We are hoping to get everyone back on to the list soon but there's no obligation.

"If someone would prefer to keep going with their treatment, they can wait until we know what's happening with the virus in the next year or two before deciding to proceed."

Three weeks ago, Carwyn Jones from Pont Sian, Ceredigion, got the call to travel to University Hospital Wales as there was a potential donor for the double transplant he needs.

But someone on the ward tested positive for Covid-19 and the unit was closed, while the organs Mr Jones was due to receive were given to another patient.

"It has been tough. Having to stay in when I'm used to going out, seeing friends and family or going to work. But I have to do it for my health," said the 33-year-old.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: "Patients awaiting or who have received transplants, and are concerned about ending shielding, should consult their clinician or transplant team for advice."