We remain open! Read our policy and advice to patients on Covid-19
As it is for any new business, when I opened Canary Chiropractic I knew it would be a struggle for the first few months – but preparing for a global coronavirus pandemic after just 3 weeks of trading? That certainly didn’t cross my mind when I wrote my business plan!
As always, the health of my patients is paramount and I hope that the way I conduct myself in this national emergency will stand me in good stead for when some form of normality can resume. Until then, here’s my clinic policy and advice to patients on Covid-19 (coronavirus):
Follow NHS England Advice
I advise all my patients to follow the advice available via NHS England (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/). Please do not visit the clinic if you have a high temperature or a new, persistent cough. Stay at home for at least 7 days and contact the clinic to rearrange your appointment. Likewise, if you have been in close contact or live with someone experiencing these symptoms, please self-isolate for 14 days and contact the clinic to rearrange your appointment. NHS, Public Health England and Government advice is constantly changing, but the above was current as of 17th March, when this post was written.
Self-isolating & Social Distancing
If you are self-isolating or practicing social-distancing because you are over 70, have a long-term health condition, are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, do not hesitate to contact the clinic to cancel your appointment. For as long as I am fit, healthy and baby free, I am also more than willing to assist any of my patients should you need help with shopping or dog walking etc. Just give me a call and I will do what I can!
The Clinic Will Remain Open
For now, the clinic will remain open for low-risk patients that do not have any symptoms of coronavirus and have not been in contact with anyone experiencing symptoms. Many that are experiencing pain, see their appointment as essential and we will still be taking bookings to help these patients. We are, however, taking extra precautions to eradicate contact between patients by incorporating 30 minutes between each booking, to allow extra time for cleaning and to avoid any patient crossover in reception.
Strict Clinic Etiquette
To ensure we all play our part in avoiding the spread of coronavirus, please exercise good hand and respiratory hygiene:
· Do not visit the clinic if you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, or have been in contact with someone that is.
· Throughout the day, remember to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
· Before your treatment, please use the antibacterial hand sanitiser gel located on reception when you enter the clinic.
· Use the clinic tissues (or the crook of your elbow) to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Do not use your hands. Please dispose of any used tissues immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
· Avoid close contact with people that are unwell.
· Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose if your hands are not clean.
My promise to you
Clinic hygiene is of the upmost importance to me. We have always had hand sanitiser available in the clinic reception, I wash my hands between patients and use disinfectant spray to clean the bench and equipment between patients. However, I shall now also incorporate the following precautions:
· 30 minute gap between patient bookings, to ensure only one patient is in the clinic at a time and to allow for additional cleaning of surfaces.
· Asking all patients to use antibacterial hand sanitiser before their treatment.
· I will no longer be shaking patient’s hands, please do not get offended.
· Towels will no longer be used. Disposable blue paper will be used instead.
· Clinic gowns will temporarily not be used. Please wear your own clothes, such as a vest top, shorts or leggings.
Introducing Virtual Consultations & Appointments
Whether you are self-isolating or social-distancing, a sedentary lifestyle at home has a negative impact on health – especially if it is prolonged (ie. more than 2 weeks). It’s important to keep moving and keep exercising at home, particularly if you’re in pain.
To help those that require treatment but are unable to come into the clinic, I am in the process of testing new video calling systems and an app which will allow me to conduct virtual chiropractic consultations online, and prescribe personalised rehabilitation exercise plans via a mobile app. Please keep an eye on my social media and website for more information about this.
I would like to personally thank all my patients for your ongoing support and cooperation during these difficult times. Stay safe, keep healthy and follow the NHS guidelines should you fall ill.
All the Best,
Stuart
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