Thank you for contacting me regarding concerns to do with registration on the Government's list of extremely vulnerable people.
I understand that in addition to the 1.5 million people identified in England with conditions already centrally identified, GPs are currently identifying other patients who are clinically extremely vulnerable. These patients will be contacted directly and will be advised to shield. This means that if someone is identified by a GP to be clinically extremely vulnerable they will be added to the list and will be able to access the cross-Government support package.
I am told that anyone who believes that they should be included in the extremely vulnerable group should contact their GP.
A further option for people who cannot access the internet and who need support with food, self isolation or any other issue connected to the Coronavirus outbreak, is to contact Calderdale Council through Gateway to Care on 01422 393000 (TEXTPHONE 01422 393398). Moreover, Gateway to Care will help vulnerable people who need to register for support from both the local authority and the government to do so.
I do hope that this provides some reassurance. I will endeavour to raise awareness of this process to ensure that people are able to access the support that they need.
On working with the supermarkets, I have no doubt whatever that the Government expects all such retailers to behave with flexibility, sense and discretion - it is aware of the issues that have been raised regarding people who are blind and partially sighted. I will continue to monitor the situation and very much want to hear of any further instances of people encountering difficulties with obtaining vital supplies.
In case you have not already had them, I can draw your attention to two newsletters from Disability Partnership Calderdale which seem to me to be helpful. They both include contact numbers for various organisations including Calderdale Council's Gateway to Care; crucially, one of the leaflets is a directory of retailers offering food deliveries.
You can find the DPC at https://disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org/ and the newsletters at https://disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org/newsletters/ or on 07716122897. I note too that organisations such as the RNIB are providing very useful information.
Please let me know of any further points that you feel need making to the Government.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
April 2020