Advice for carers of children with Hydrocephalus during COVID-19
Advice for carers of children with Hydrocephalus during COVID-19
We have been contacted by a number of families worried about COVID-19 and how this might affect their child, should they show signs of a shunt blockage.
Please be mindful that in this time of crisis it might be hard to get hold of your neuro-nurse team. Many have been redeployed and others may sadly be unwell or self-isolating.
If you are worried about your child’s symptoms please try your neuro-nurse team in the first instance, however be aware that it might be hard to get through. If you urgently need to speak to someone and cant get through, call the ward where your child usually recovers from neurosurgery surgery.
A shunt blockage is STILL considered a life-threatening emergency and STILL needs urgent medical attention. Please STILL take your child to your nearest A&E if they are exhibiting signs.
The current situation might make communications difficult and it could be more difficult for hospitals to share and receive information about your child’s specific case. We suggest putting together a medical folder which you can label with your child's name on the front- this can travel to the hospital with you, should you need to go. Here are suggestions for what you could include within. Keep this in a bag along with your child's red book.
Stay safe everyone x