Reopening
Decision to reopen
These are difficult times for everyone. Many people are now not able to work as they were a few months ago and it is starting to take a tole on our bodies. Recent statistics show that at least 48% of the UK workforce is now working at home (compared to just 5% previously). More worryingly, roughly half of home-workers are now experiencing an increase in physical pain as a result of their working environment.
It is now more vital than ever that people have speedy access to physiotherapy when it is needed.
The UK government announced phase two of COVID-19 pandemic management late last week with further clarifications earlier this week. There has been much discussion within the healthcare and physiotherapy industry about the pros and cons of returning to face to face treatment. It has been advised that at this time it is safe for physiotherapists to return to a more normal style of working while regarding the best practice in infection control and social distancing.
Measures in place
We have been working hard at Urmston Physio Clinic to prepare for a safe reopening and we would like to make you aware of certain precautions that we have put in place and changes that you might notice.
- People that are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, and those that have been in contact with somebody displaying symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, will be asked not to attend the clinic while they are symptomatic. This is for the protection of staff and our patients, and the prevention of the exponential spread of the virus.
- When an appointment is requested, a patient will be asked to complete a survey which will allow for screening of COVID-19 symptoms and will also identify if attending the appointment might put staff, the patient, or others at risk. All appointments will be on a risk assessed basis and patients must give informed consent to the appointment after reviewing any potential risks. The final decision on face to face treatment will be will be risk assessed and lie with the physiotherapist; this decision will be based on all the information provided by the patient and the physiotherapists clinical reasoning.
- A strict 2m distance rule will be in place. All patients must maintain a 2m distance from staff unless invited to do otherwise by the physiotherapist.
- The number of people that are allowed in the clinic at one time will be limited. If you wish to bring a chaperone or interpreter then this will be allowed, however we request that you do not bring anyone to your appointment that is not absolutely essential.
- We will ask if you drive to your appointment that you wait in your car until your appointment time (unless this causes an increase in physical pain).
- It will be mandatory to wash your hands on entering and exiting the building.
- Staff will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). During your appointment the physiotherapist will be wearing gloves, an apron, and a surgical mask. They may also chose to wear goggles or a face visor if they feel it is appropriate given the treatment being provided. Patients are welcome to bring and wear PPE if they wish.
Final Thoughts
The decision to reopen has not been taken lightly, we have deliberated hard before taking this decision and the measures above will help to reduce risks associated with face to face treatment. However, it is up to us all to control the spread of COVID-19. Please keep up to date will all of the latest information advice on the government and NHS websites and always ask if you are uncertain. We will never penalise anyone for the late cancellation of appointments due to the perceived risks associated with COVID-19.
We look forward to seeing you in the near future.