Hygiene and social distancing measures we are taking to safeguard both patients and staff
The Fishponds Practice re-opened for Osteopathic appointments only on 18 May. In order to provide treatment as safely as we can we have made a number of changes in order to ensure a high level of hygiene, and reduce social contact within the practice as far as possible.
Please be aware that WE CANNOT TREAT ANY PATIENTS WHO HAVE, OR HAVE HAD, ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID 19 ( such as fever above 37.8 degrees, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, abdominal problems, fatigue) within the last 14 days, or have come into close contact within anyone with any of these symptoms in the same period. WE ALSO CANNOT TREAT PATIENTS WHO ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE VIRUS, OR ARE CARING FOR SOME WHO IS. This includes older patients, those who are immuno-suppressed, have certain respiratory and heart conditions, chronic kidney or liver disease, or are diabetic. If you fall into one of these groups, but need help with musculo-skeletal pain, please give us a ring, as we may be able to suggest ways you can help yourself.
Osteopathy is, as you know, a hands-on treatment – it cannot be wholly free from the risk of passing on infection. However, please find below the ways in which you can help us to make treatment as safe as possible. If you have any queries or concerns about coming for treatment please do not hesitate to contact us.
GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS:-
DO NOT ATTEND if you, or anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid 19, or you have other conditions which make you particularly vulnerable to the virus.
If possible COME ALONE.
If you are coming by car – REMAIN IN THE CAR UNTIL YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME.
Please ring the door bell with a covering over your finger and push the door open with your elbow or shoulder.
We will be staggering appointment times, and leaving gaps between appointments, to minimize the possibility of your meeting anyone other than your Osteopath whilst you are here.
On entering the practice IMMEDIATELY USE THE HAND SANITISER PROVIDED.
Your Osteopath will be wearing a tunic which is changed between every patient and will meet you and take you straight to the treatment room.
Your Osteopath will ask you to sign a form indicating that you understand that hands-on treatment cannot be wholly risk-free and that you wish to proceed.
Any surfaces touched by patients, eg door knobs, chairs etc, will be disinfected between each patient. This includes the plinth and pillows on which you lie which will have a wipeable covering. This is not very comfortable and may feel cold. You are therefore advised that you should BRING A LARGE AND A SMALL TOWEL WITH YOU TO COVER THESE SURFACES, AND A BLANKET IF YOU NEED ONE, for your comfort.
For the time-being we will be working without reception cover, to minimize the number of people in the building. Your Osteopath will therefore book any further appointments you may need and take your payment. Please PAY BY CONTACTLESS CARD or direct BANK TRANSFER, for which details will be given to you.
If you should become ill with symptoms of Covid 19 within 3 days of treatment, please notify us immediately so that we may self-isolate and contact any patients whom we have seen in the intervening period.