If you have a medical condition which requires steroid treatment then this is for you —mainly for those with Pituitary Insufficiency. The Pituitary Foundation aims to increase the number of patients carrying NHS steroid cards. To keep them safe and inform emergency services/health care providers of their condition. Ensuring the right treatment if an adrenal crisis occurs*.
What is a steroid card and who needs one?
The card has been developed by the Society for Endocrinology (SfE), Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I).
It holds basic medical information about your condition
A web link and QR code take you to the Society for Endocrinology adrenal crisis page
People with Pituitary Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease.
The purpose of having a card and where to get one:
All NHS staff should be aware of them and their importance
Easier access to the right treatment if an adrenal crisis happens
Getting a card is simple: community pharmacies, GPs or Hospital teams
The Pituitary Foundation have a downloadable card and an image you can use on your phone.
Why is this so important?
An adrenal crisis occurs when there are insufficient cortisol levels in the body. A hormone produced by the adrenal gland. This can be life-threatening.
Not enough patients currently carry cards
If unaware of the patient's condition, Doctors may not administer the correct treatment, leading to a negative outcome.
From a personal perspective:
Living with Addison’s/Pituitary Insufficiency can be challenging and scary. Using the card has been helpful. For example, I am having an operation soon. Additional stress on the body requires additional cortisol. With Addison's disease, my body no longer produces this. So at times of stress, my dosage needs to change. I showed my consultant my card. He has now requested a proper plan from my endocrinologist. Reassuring everyone involved.
Need some extra information?
Also on the case is The Addison's Disease Self-Help Group which has:
Access to an Adrenal Crisis Emergency Wallet Card
Paediatric Steroid Treatment Card
National Patient Safety Alert Poster
Guidance on preventing emergency management for adult patients
A link to The Society for Endocrinology Adrenal Crisis page for healthcare professionals.
To finish! Our top additional tips are;
When facing stressful treatment/situations such as operations inform your Endocrinologist so they can alter your dosage
Show your NHS steroid card to all health care professionals in your team
Carry your shock pack at all times (contains needle, medication vial, instructions etc)
Carry a copy in your bag, on a water bottle or even in your car
Alert family, friends, and colleagues of where medication is stored
Explain how to help you in an emergency
Wear Medical Jewellery/wristband
Summary
If an adrenal crisis occurs, you may be unable to communicate clearly and concisely. Therefore your treatment could be compromised. Carrying this small card may just save your life. Give you the best treatment. Get you better quicker. Promote awareness. So get that card. Stay well, stay safe, and tell everyone why these cards matter!
The Pituitary Foundation
Addison's Disease Self Help Group
*Please remember that these blogs are very real to us. We are on the same journey. It’s tough, slow and frustrating. Most of the Scenarios we face ourselves. Sometimes we find what we print useful. Other times we don’t. It’s included because everyone's journey is different. We have passionate perseverance to help others. To dispose of all content would be a waste and a disservice to our readers.
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