Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure continued provision of treatment for vulnerable persons with (a) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (b) other multiple morbidities, (c) complex needs and (d) underlying health issues related to drug and alcohol misuse, during the covid-19 outbreak.
The National Health Service has written to all patients with underlying diseases or health conditions identified as being at risk of severe illness should they contract COVID-19 with information on the continued provision of healthcare. In addition, NHS England and NHS Improvement issue regular guidance to general practitioners on managing patients during the pandemic. Specialty guides are also available to help hospitals continue essential care for patients, including those with respiratory conditions and people with alcohol dependences.