COVID-19: Phased re-opening of the clinic

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To help us understand which path of treatment is most appropriate and safe for you, ALL patients will undergo a triage/assessment over telephone or video call. If a serious condition is suspected or if a patient presents with an acute deterioration of an existing chronic condition then the patient will be re-directed to acute NHS services.

ALL patients will then undergo a COVID-19 screening. This screening process will then be repeated over telephone or electronically prior to EACH session. If they fail the assessment, then face-to-face treatment would not be possible until the set quarantine recommendations have been completed. 

Virtual Vs Face-to-face

Shared-decision making would take place as to whether the benefits of face-to-face treatments outweigh the risks and if the face-to-face interaction is necessary or essential. The discussion will be documented by the Physiotherapist.  

An 'essential' appointment is classed as:

-Patients who have acute pain (pain which is more than 7/10, pain which is affecting their sleep, or affecting their ability to work).

-Patients who would be seeking GP/NHS service otherwise.

-Patients who feel they cannot self-manage their symptoms at home with the Physiotherapist's guidance over a virtual appointment.

-If the clinical picture is unclear from the Physiotherapist's triage screening.

More information on Virtual Physiotherapy can be found on the tab below. 

Because COVID-19 is a novel virus where the body has no natural immunity and for which there is currently no vaccine available, additional care is required to reduce the risk of exposing patients to infection. Therefore, where a face-to-face appointment is deemed appropriate between the Physio and patient, we have had to implement many changes to mitigate the risks to us and to you. 

The section below outlines the control measures which have been put in place at all times.

• A full completed risk assessment of the clinic environment and regularly updated cleaning log (both displayed on clinic wall). 
• A completed operational ‘walk-through’ of all new procedures post-risk assessment. 
• Initial telephone appointment to take a detailed patient history and COVID-19 screening.
• Decision made to see if we can help you virtually first.
• Appointment reminders to include instructions for ALL patients to wear a surgical mask and to attend alone if possible (unless patient is a child or requires additional support i.e. a carer).

• Wear a surgical mask at ALL times. DO NOT wear your own gloves. 
• Attend alone if possible (unless patient is a child or requires additional support).
• Enter building and wait in our large comfortable reception area where keeping two-metres apart is possible. Please continue to observe social distancing.
• Physio will be wearing PPE (fluid resistant surgical mask type IIr, gloves and apron. Goggles and face shield will be worn if required).
• Physio will be wearing scrubs to allow washing procedure of 60 degrees as per GOV.UK guidelines.
• Physio will provide you with hand sanitizer. 
• Physio will provide you with disposable gloves (and a surgical mask if required at a fee).
• Physio will check your temperature with a contactless thermometer.
• Bathroom facilities will not be permitted for public and patient use.

• COVID-19 screening process to be completed each session (as stated above).
• You will digitally sign a ‘Declaration of truth’ each session which openly informs you of the risk of face-to-face appointments.
• Couch, pillows and chairs are covered with vinyl wipeable protectors and single-use couch roll will be used. 
• Clinic room has been rearranged to ensure a two-metre distance can be maintained as much as possible.
• Window will be open/AC kept on to ensure continuous circulation of air flow.

• Payments for treatment and/or surgical masks to be made wirelessly via card or BACS transfer.
• An envelope can be provided for cash payments.
• Follow-up appointment will be discussed and made.
• Dispose of your gloves and mask, use hand sanitizer and Physio to escort you to the exit
• Physiotherapist will clean hands between every patient with soap and water and change PPE.
• Longer gaps between patients to enable surfaces to be disinfected with alcohol-based spray between treatments. 
• Longer gaps will also ensure any patients attending can be kept two-metres apart in the reception. 
• Business centre to sterilise all hard surfaces as per their cleaning regime.
• All disposal to be double bagged and removed after 72 hours.

The above plan has been formalised to safeguard our patients and ourselves and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The plan allows us to continue the treatment for patients through means of video conference to simulate a near as possible experience to a face-to-face appointment and eliminating the risk of COVID-19. Where a face-to-face session is deemed absolutely necessary, all of the relevant control measures have been put in place to mitigate risks of infection. 

Our plan will be continuously assessed as per the guidance from GOV.UK, CSP, HCPC, Public Health England and guidance from our local public health authorities. 

We look forward to seeing you and providing you with the most appropriate and safest course of treatment for your health and safety is our main priority. 

Uncertain times can undoubtedly raise our anxiety levels as we can easily become influenced by 'fake news' around us. We therefore strongly recommend that you use the following sources for COVID-19 updates: 

World Health Organisation:  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus