April Newsletter

Welcome to our April newsletter. Firstly we hope you are all safe and well. We would also like to thank all the NHS staff and keyworkers for the magnificent role they are playing during these very testing times.

In this issue we have if you don't have Covid-19 symptoms but need the NHS. Home Insurance as product of the month. Keeping your car roadworthy during lockdown and how to stop Corana Virus killing your pension.

If you don't have Covid-19 symptoms but still need the NHS, here's what you do

The Covid-19 outbreak has been an anxious and confusing time for everyone, not least if you think you may need to see a doctor.

Many people worry about contacting the NHS when they have symptoms of any kind, either because they don’t want to overload an overstretched system, or because they fear catching the virus while there.

Health chiefs here are growing increasingly concerned, however, that people are staying away when they really do need help.

As we reported earlier today, two-week cancer referrals have plummeted by two thirds in Greater Manchester during the crisis, while all A&E departments here are seeing much lower admissions than they had expected.

Cancer referrals have fallen two thirds here and A&E visits are down dramatically - our health chiefs are worried

People suffering minor strokes and heart attacks have been identified as among those avoiding emergency departments, storing up trouble for the future.

Meanwhile the number of children being seen by doctors has also fallen, as parents worry about what best to do.

But the NHS in Greater Manchester wants to ensure people do still go to see a doctor when they need to - and have lots of new procedures in place to minimise the risk of catching the virus if you do need to either go to your GP or attend hospital.

So here is the most up-to-date information about how the system here is working, what you might find if you do need to use it, and how the NHS is ensuring you will be kept as safe as possible.

GPs

Whether you have coronavirus symptoms or not, you should still ring your GP if you have a health concern.

Practices across Greater Manchester have set up what’s known as a ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ system during the pandemic.

This means some surgeries are dealing with cases of suspected coronavirus, while others are not - but your own surgery will tell you where you need to go.

So in the first instance, people are recommended to call their usual practice for a remote consultation, either over the phone or online.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 then considered in need of a physical examination will be directed to a so-called ‘hot’ surgery - which may not be their usual one, but will be within a reasonable distance of it.

If you need to be seen in person for another reason, you will be seen separately from people who may have Covid-19.

“There are a number of hot sites - there are at least one in every district - and they will be referred to that, where they will be seen by appointment separately,” said Sir Richard Leese, the region’s health lead, of people who do have coronavirus symptoms.

All GP surgeries have strict infection control measures in place.

Children

A major concern for health bosses locally and nationally has been the drop-off in parents taking their children to the doctor.

As we reported last week, the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health is worried children are attending hospital too late, citing anecdotal evidence that mums and dads are not accessing advice for a range of illnesses and infections as soon as is needed.

Warning over parents keeping sick children away from hospital amid coronavirus

Today Sir Richard confirmed that there has been a drop-off in children being seen by doctors here during the crisis, which he cited as a key concern.

However the traffic-light system above that has been compiled by the RCPH - which is being actively promoted by health trusts here - is designed to explain what parents should do in each scenario.

That includes what to do if your child has severe symptoms such as fits or seizures, or extreme difficulty in breathing, through to drowsiness, shivering, persistent high fevers or persistent vomiting.

Their guide was described today by Sir Richard as ‘very clear advice to parents about what to do in different circumstances’.

“We are working to get those messages out so that we do get people that need medical attention seeking medical attention,” he added.

It is also important that routine appointments such as antenatal checks and childhood vaccinations are attended as normal if parents have been informed that they are going ahead.

Hospitals

The NHS has got a system in place to ensure people with potential Covid-19 are kept separate from other patients.

People with serious coronavirus symptoms are urged not to take themselves to A&E but to call 999, so that paramedics can treat them and ensure they’re admitted to hospital separately to other patients.

Once in hospital, they will then be treated on separate coronavirus wards.

Even if someone does attend themselves with potential symptoms, there are signs in all hospitals displaying where people with coronavirus symptoms should go.

Some hospitals also greet people at the door and ask them at that point what symptoms they have.

And if for any reason someone with symptoms reaches reception areas without having been identified, they are quickly taken to the area designated for Covid-19 patients.

At that point, anyone with mild symptoms is sent home to self-isolate - while those with more serious symptoms are fast-tracking onto a designated Covid-19 ward, where they are swabbed.

Meanwhile anyone else is kept on an entirely separate ward. The two are not mixed.

At the Christie hospital, for example, there is a separate ward for cancer patients who have suspected coronavirus. So if you do have a serious or life-threatening condition unrelated to Covid-19, there are procedures in place.

Don’t avoid the NHS if you need it

The NHS is strongly encouraging people to seek medical advice, help or treatment when they need it.

Both GP practices and hospitals have strict infection prevention and control measures in place, so it IS safe to attend appointments.

They don’t want people who think they need help to stay away. However they do want them to go via their GP practice in the first instance - unless it’s an emergency, Covid-related or not, in which case call 999.

As ever, of course, people are being asked to be sensible and only to go to A&E or call 999 if it really is an emergency - but for some serious conditions, a delay can be critical. If you are unsure, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.

“One of the things we want to really stress is for people who are frightened of contacting a doctor or a hospital because of Covid-19, phone first,” said Sir Richard.

“All referrals now go through the phone and the system makes sure that any person who’s reporting Covid 19 symptoms is kept separate from other people. So I really want to get that message over.

“If your child is ill, if you think you might have symptoms that suggest cancer, if you think you might have had a stroke or any of those things you would normally go to A&E with: Go,” he said.

“It’s really important that people recognise that the NHS is still open for all and people who’ve got symptoms that require medical attention should be seeking medical attention and not be frightened off from it.”

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Coronavirus: How to keep your car roadworthy during lockdown

The main thing is to make sure you don’t have to call anyone out to fix it whilst it’s resting, risking the health of all concerned. We need to keep that vital “R” infection rate down as low as possible, as well as avoiding a bill for a new battery (plus labour).

If you’ve the luxury of a powered garage you can put the car on a mains trickle charger. Failing that, the easiest thing to do is to drive it around for about half an hour preferably in daylight (no headlights eating the power), and do that every week or so.

A good guide would be to pootle around long enough to get the engine warmed up (good for it anyway). You could combine all that with a trip to the shops for essentials, just taking a slightly longer route than usual, or going to a supermarket slightly further afield. That’s probably as adventurous as motoring is going to be for a few months.

You should stay just on the right side of the police with that routine. RAC Drive says that “solo journeys are strongly advised at the moment, for instance, if you’re going to buy essential supplies from the shops. If you need to share a car, you should only do so with members of your household”.

How can I keep the car clean?

If you decide to top up the fuel tank on the expedition, remember to use gloves or otherwise avoid handling the fuel pump – an obvious cross-contamination point for the virus (and take off the gloves before you get home and wash them).

Indeed you should also use antibacterial fluid or wipes to clean all the contact points on your car – keys, door handles inside and out (don’t forget the boot), steering wheel, dash, seatbelt, touch screens, all switches, handbrake, fuel filler cap and so on.

These are generally the harder kind of surfaces the virus tends to survive longer on. Obviously wash your hands with soap for 20 minutes before, after and during your journey, and avoid touching your face and other people. As ever.

Ben Murphy, Toyota GB’s professional car “detailer” responsible for their own fleet’s pristine condition, advises that “every time I remove my gloves I always give my hands a good wash. I wear gloves during my working day and advise people to war gloves if they are in a vehicle such as a rental car or a taxi. You don’t know which areas of the car the previous occupants have touched and germs can stay in a spot for 72 hours. If kids travel in your car then there’s every chance they’ve been wiping their hands in the windows.”

Release the handbrake

The other mechanical issue is the brakes binding or even seizing if you lay the car up for too long with the handbrake on. You could leave the handbrake off, and put the car in gear and put blocks behind the wheels, but that might be too much hassle or unsafe or illegal on a public highway.

If it’s on the street another additional precaution, mandated by the Highway Code, is to have the front wheels close to pointing towards the kerb (of parked nose downhill) or away from the kerb (of the front of the car is pointing uphill). Just in case.

But a weekly drive should prevent sticky brakes anyhow and the Highway Code states you must apply the handbrake.

Should I hoard petrol?

You really shouldn’t need to bother hoarding petrol, especially as you probably have no excuse to drive anyway. It’s hazardous and in any case illegal to keep more than 30 litres without a licence.

Do I still need to get an MOT?

Last month, the UK government announced that drivers had been given a six-month extension to their MOTs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new rules, which apply to cars, motorcycles and light vans, dictate that motorists who have an MOT due from Monday 30 March will automatically receive a six-month extension.

However, vehicles must still be kept in a roadworthy condition, with garages remaining open for essential repair works, and prosecutions for unsafe vehicles still possible.

“We must ensure those on the frontline of helping the nation combat Covid-19 are able to do so,” said Grant Shapps, transport secretary.

“Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people get essential food and medicine.

“Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work.”

But, will your insurance still be valid if you choose to postpone?

Clare Egan, head of motor at Admiral, says: “If you’re unable to get your vehicle tested there is no need to worry as it will not invalidate a claim should you need to make one, providing you keep car vehicle safe and roadworthy during this time.

“It’s important to also remember that garages will remain open for any essential repair work during this time as having a safe and secure vehicle is paramount at all times.

“You should only be driving your vehicle if it is safe to do so otherwise you risk putting yourself and other road users in danger.”

Those are the basics for keeping your car roadworthy. Using it sparingly will keep parts lubricated and avoid distortion to the brakes, tyres and other components – cars are made to be driven not parked after all. One day your car, symbol and instrument of personal freedom, will be liberated and it, and its driver, can frolic in the Peak District free from persecution by a police drone. Something to look forward to.

How to stop coronavirus killing off your pension

Experts warn there’s now a ‘double digits hole’ in millions of savers’ pension plans

As millions of the UK’s workers have, understandably, been worried about how to pay the most immediate bills, the coronavirus outbreak has also been silently threatening to decimate the financial futures of millions more.

This week, as the new tax year rolls around with none of its usual fanfare, the biggest shake up in the pensions world marks its five-year anniversary.

And pensions freedoms – the ability for more people to access their retirement savings earlier and cheaper – are now facing the ultimate test as they expose those in retirement more directly to stock market risk.

“As markets were shaken by the rapid spread of coronavirus, pension freedoms are, for the first time, being tested in more challenging conditions.

The rules

Just under a million people turn 55 each year, at which point they have access to investments earmarked for old age. They no longer have to buy an annuity with their defined contribution pension and the drawdown, or cashing in of funds, which once carried a terrifying 55 per cent tax charge now carries only marginal income tax rates.

Starting in 2015, once you hit 55 and, alongside the familiar 25 per cent tax-free lump sum choice, you can now decide to leave everything invested, take some of the cash in chunks, an adjustable income or “flexi-access drawdown”, a guaranteed income known as an annuity, cash in the lot or go with a combination of these actions.

It can be a minefield and the government-backed free advice service Pensionwise can help talk you through your choices as well as the potential implications and impact they bring with them.

Research by AJ Bell has found savers have withdrawn around £33bn since the new freedoms were introduced, taking around 4.4 per cent of the value of all private pension pots each year. That’s around £6,700 of the average £152,000 private pension pot.

The threat

The greatest concern now is for those people who choose to stay invested in a roller coaster market while further depleting their funds because they are also taking an income through drawdown.

“Although it is difficult to judge the sustainability of withdrawals without knowing people’s individual circumstances and overall wealth, a market characterised by people taking an income of between 4 and 5 per cent who tend to have multiple sources of income may appear of little concern – particularly during a period where markets have risen at a healthy rate,” says Tom Selby, senior analyst at AJ Bell.

“However, the coronavirus sell-off has changed everything, ripping a double-digit hole in millions of savers pension plans. While those who are building a retirement pot should have decades for their funds to (hopefully) recover value, people drawing an income already will likely have to adjust their spending expectations.”

It is a particular problem for those in the early years of retirement who took significant withdrawals from their fund just as the current crisis hit. This combination of big withdrawals and negative investment performance – often referred to as “pound-cost ravaging” – can wreak havoc with people’s retirement plans.

“While it may be tempting for some to plough on regardless, such an approach will leave you at significant risk of running out of money,” Selby adds.

Those in this situation are being urged to review their spending and reassess their monthly budget in a bid to reduce the amount they need to withdraw from their pension, giving their pot time to recover.

On the brink

“Thousands of people intending to retire this year will now be wondering what their options are,” Byron adds. “The vast majority will have pension savings in default lifestyle funds, which are less exposed to recent market events. While they may have seen smaller reductions in their pension pot, any fall can understandably feel significant.”

Though the obvious decision is to defer retirement, that isn’t a realistic option for all. But the choices available to the over-55s could help tailor their circumstances and savings pot to the current economic climate.

“With the future currently so hard to predict, it may be appropriate to ensure your basic necessities and expenditure is covered through fixed income sources such as annuities, state pension and any defined benefit pension,” adds Byron, though she acknowledges the latest cut in interest rates has had a knock-on effect on annuity rates.

Contact Pensionwise for more information about your retirement options in light of your individual circumstances and savings pot as well as current market conditions.