Recommendation 11

As well as NHS Digital using patient data to add people to the shielding list, GPs and hospital doctors were asked to review the list and use their clinical judgement to add or remove people. GP and hospital doctors’ additions brought the total to 1.8 million by 18 April and then 2.2 million by 7 May.20 As people were added, NHS England & NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) sent them letters advising them to shield and of their eligibility for support.21 We received written submissions from charities which reported delays in people receiving these letters, potentially putting them at risk of infection, and causing distress and delays in accessing support.22 Overall, 900,000 people were added to the list between 18 April and 7 May.23