Vulnerable’ people unable to leave their homes

ble people and their families to easily find out how to get slots.

The charities are also calling on supermarkets to have a phone line for people in the extremely vulnerable category to sort out issues, with enough staff to enable people to get through within 20 minutes.

They say those answering phones should have access to people who can make decisions about who is eligible.

The charities are asking supermarkets to ensure that all the above applies to those living with someone shielding as well as the person themselves.

Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: “People are telling us that things are improving and slots are being made available, but there are some people who are very high risk who are still struggling to order food online.

“This gives them added stress at an already difficult time, as going out to the supermarket health at risk.”

Paul Bristow, who is chief executive of Kidney Care UK, said: “There are around 65,000 people on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant in the UK right now who are extremely vulnerable with an increased risk of a severe reaction to Covid-19.

“Despite this, many have still not received a letter giving them the protection of being shielded, and its could put their associated support of priority access to food deliveries.

“We continue to receive calls on a daily basis from anxious patients, too scared to go out for food but who also cannot get a priority slot for home delivery.

“No vulnerable group should be forced to choose between their safety and the need to access essential shopping and this needs to be resolved as quickly as possible,” Mr Bristow said.