Teenage cancer patient from Hatherleigh told to stop shielding, against the advice of doctors

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The family of a Devon teenager who has been undergoing chemotherapy have revealed she was incorrectly told to stop shielding, against the advice of her doctors.

Erin Chappell from Hatherleigh received a letter from the Government two weeks after she finished chemotherapy in June, telling her she didn't have to shield anymore, and wasn't at the highest level of risk.

But when she checked with her doctors they said the letter was wrong and she must stay indoors until at least September.

Her mum Nicky Hutchinson, who has also been having cancer treatment this year, says the confused and incorrect advice has left them frightened and angry.

Part of the letter received by Erin, advising her to stop shielding. Credit: Nicky Hutchinson

The letter from the National Shielding Service, on government headed paper, clearly states the decision to remove Erin from the shielding list was based on advice from her doctors, but they say they were not consulted.

Nicky says "Nobody expects them to be perfect but we expect them to be honest with us because a lot of people have stared death in the face, had treatments and operations, and every day is a fight. I think the least we deserve is the truth."

Blood Cancer UK has been contacted by other patients who have received the same letter.

The charity's policy manager Phil Reynolds says: "Far too many people are in that really difficult position where they are forced to choose between going back out to work and potentially risking their health, or staying at home and potentially risking their employment and that's a choice no-one should have to make."