COVID-19 PROTOCOL
All appointments must be pre-booked.
Please call Emma on 07813 140960 or e-mail emma@connectionsphysio.co.uk to make an appointment.
COVID-19
It is important that you read and understand all the information given below before making an appointment at The Physio Suite.
The Physio Suite has conducted a thorough risk assessment to ensure adequate levels of safety at this clinic are implemented and maintained. We are following the most up-to-date Government and Public Health England guidance and have put in place stringent patient triage, hygiene, sanitation and infection control protocols to protect our patients and team members. Despite these precautions, there is a risk of transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and it is important that you understand the risk.
We have provided the information below to help you decide if you wish to continue with your care at The Physio Suite and remind you that you are under no obligation to do so.
Precautions that The Physio Suite has in place:
- All patients contacting us for an appointment are triaged by a trained team member over the telephone to establish whether Covid-19 symptoms are present, if they are self-isolating, if anyone in their household has symptoms or is self-isolating, if they have recently returned from overseas or they have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace.
- We enforce a strict policy that anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms must stay away from the clinic.
- A second triage is conducted at the clinic, including a temperature check.
- A strict cleaning, sanitation and infection control protocol is adhered to.
- All team members at The Physio Suite adhere to the social distancing guidance issued by the Government.
- The layout of the practice has been adapted to maintain social distancing.
- Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Clinical Staff will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your protection.
- You will be asked to wear a face covering when attending the clinic.
Eligibility for Care
We are unable to offer face-to-face appointments to the following people:
- If you are self-isolating – until your isolation period is over and you have no symptoms
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms (whether diagnosed by test or not)
- If you are living with someone with COVID-19 symptoms (whether diagnosed by test or not)
- If you have been in contact with anyone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days by the NHS Contact Tracing Service
- If you have recently returned from a country where the UK Government has imposed a 14 day self-isolation period.
If you do have any underlying health condition, we ask that you notify us so that we can take this into consideration when carrying out our risk assessment.
Clinically Extremely Vulnerable
From the 5th of November 2020, the Government has asked people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to only leave home for exercise and to attend healthcare appointments.
Vulnerable “High Risk” Groups Defined Below
- People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy
- People with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy
- People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
- People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
- People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
- People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs.
- People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD).
- People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), homozygous sickle cell).
- People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.
- Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.
Vulnerable “Moderate Risk” Groups Defined Below (treat for routine/ wellness and urgent care after risk assessed)
- Pregnant
- Over 70
- Have a long-term health condition/ Underlying Medical Conditions as listed below:
- Chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or bronchitis.
- Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis.
- Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, a learning disability or cerebral palsy.
- Diabetes.
- Problems with the spleen, such as sickle cell disease or removal of the spleen.
- A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy.
- Being seriously overweight, with a body mass index of 40 or above.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL – CLIENT INFORMATION SHEET.
BEFORE THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
We will send you a COVID-19 screening and consent form that must be completed prior to attending your appointment. Please bring the completed questionnaire with you to your appointment. We will also call you the day before your appointment to conduct a pre-visit triage so we can make sure you have no COVID-19 symptoms and we can treat you safely
BEFORE YOU ENTER THE CLINIC
PLEASE WEAR A FACE COVERING WHEN ATTENDING THE PHYSIO SUITE.
Please arrive on time for your appointment (neither early or late). On arrival at the clinic please wait outside for your therapist to come and collect you, ensuring you maintain a distance of at least 2 metres between you and anyone else in the vicinity of the clinic.
PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE CLINIC WHILE WAITING FOR YOUR THERAPIST.
When your therapist comes to collect you they will be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for your and their safety.
Your therapist will take your temperature using a contactless (forehead) thermometer and document your temperature in their notes. If your temperature is deemed to be too high, your appointment will be rescheduled. Your therapist will also ask you some questions to confirm that the information that you gave during your telephone triage call the day before remains the same.
Please don’t bring anyone else into the clinic with you unless necessary. This does not apply to a parent or guardian of children under 18 years old, a carer or a chaperone. On arrival at the clinic your therapist will also ask them some questions to confirm that they have no COVID-19 symptoms. They will also have their temperature taken. Their contact details will be documented for contact tracing as required.
Please bring as little belongings with you as possible to limit the risk of contamination and keep your belongings with you.
Please note we are unable to provide you with a drink of water after your treatment at this time.
Please ensure you have used your bathroom facilities at home before your appointment as the bathroom in the clinic is closed other than for emergencies.
INSIDE THE CLINIC
As soon as you enter the clinic please clean your hands using the hand sanitiser provided. Please also observe any signage with advice regarding hand hygiene and cough etiquette etc.
Your therapist will lead you straight through the reception area to your treatment room. Once in your treatment room, when getting ready to receive treatment, please place your clothing in the white box provided. This box will be cleaned after each client use. Any surfaces that you have touched in the treatment room will be cleaned immediately after the treatment has been provided. Any equipment that has been used will also be cleaned after the treatment session.
Please limit talking while receiving treatment when possible.
After your treatment your therapist will open any doors for you when you are ready to leave.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
If possible please pay for your treatment by using contactless payment (e.g. contactless card payment or bank transfer). If the PIN pad is required, it will be wiped down with alcohol wipes before and after each use. If you are paying by cash, please place the cash in an envelope ready to hand to your therapist.
If within 14 days of your appointment you begin to develop any symptoms of possible COVID-19, such as a high fever, a new continuous cough or a loss of sense of smell or taste, please contact your therapist to inform them and follow the appropriate self-isolation advice.
PRACTITIONER CONTACT DETAILS
| TIM EDEN | 07801 446077 | teden@sky.com |
| EMMA CLARK-EDEN | 07813 140960 | connectionsphysio@gmail.com |
| CLARE HOWELL | 07540 830239 | clare@northcourtchiropractic.com |
| WENDY WATSON | 07956 846541 | wendywatson@gmail.com |