Appointment Procedure during CV-19

9th May, 2020

Updated 15th May

We are now able to offer Emergency / Urgent / In need appointments from Monday 11^th May with Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and podiatrists (book online or telephone). Please see www.springbankclinic.co.uk and follow the online booking link to see available practitioners and the days they are working.

Neuro Physiotherapists are also going to work from the HUB please book direct by Telephoning 01732 451352 or 07831600060. Psychologists are continuing to do Video appointments.

We have all attended PPE courses online, have PPE in place and numerous precautions in place to allow us to see patients while minimising the risk of Covid19 spread.

Patient Information during Covid-19 Period

In accordance to our governing bodies and insurance we are following the Covid-19 guidance on PPE and social distancing with the measures listed below. There are aspects that require individual risk assessments.

Triage Phone Call

The day before your appointment you will receive a phone call asking the questions below and an assessment will be made if a visit to the clinic is appropriate. If at any point you feel unwell prior to the appointment, please let us know and do not attend, you should then self-isolate. We encourage you to check your temperature prior to the visit.

Covid Screening	YES	NO
Have you returned from abroad in last 14 days?
Do you have a cough or temperature?
Have you been in contact with anyone who has a cough or temperature or been diagnosed with CV19?
Have you been asked to self-isolate?
Are you pregnant, immune-compromised or over 70yoa?

Please arrive at the time of your appointment. If coming by car, please wait in your car and we will inform you when we are ready for you to come into the clinic. If not coming by car, we will have chairs outside the front door to sit on whilst waiting. Our aim is to avoid you touching anything unnecessary. The front door will be open and the practitioner will open and close the other doors, with the aim of you going straight through to the treatment room, avoiding mixing with other patients. You will need to use either the hand sanitiser on your arrival or wash your hands as directed by the clinician.

Please leave all unnecessary items of clothing or bags in your car or at home. Please avoid bringing other family members or children (apart from in a chaperone or consent requirement situation). Please wear your own mask to the treatment, this can be homemade or professional. Ensure it is freshly cleaned prior to the visit. If a chaperone or carer does need to attend, they will need to follow the same procedure and be aware that social distancing within the treatment room will not be able to be maintained.

The practitioner will be wearing a visor, mask and apron / clean clinic coat for each patient. There is debate about the effectiveness of gloves, so this will be on a risk assessment for each treatment / practitioner. The practitioner will be thoroughly washing their hands and arms before and after treatment. We will be unable to provide blankets or modesty towels. However, couch paper can be used instead where required. Temperature control may be variable as there will need to be ventilation throughout the treatment, think about the clothing you will wear (baggy jumpers etc. will make treatment tricky). For your reassurance the treatment tables and pillows are all waterproof and will be disinfected between patients. We will also have a wipeable mat on the carpeted floor. We are booking appointments an hour apart to ensure time to disinfect, ventilate the rooms and avoid crossing with other patients.

Receptionist will be present on reduced hours and only when there are more than two clinicians present, as we try to ensure the safety of our staff.

Payment can be made either in advance during the triage telephone call, by contactless (please respect the line on the floor in front of the desk) or we may ask you to pay at a later date. The clinician can make follow up appointment bookings in the treatment room. Please respect the guidance tape on the floor in reception until asked to step forward.

Despite all these changes we are still the same people wanting to deliver the same level of care and that these “barriers” will help to defeat the virus.

To book your appointment click here.