News

The policy has been written within the framework set out by the CSP looking specifically at 7 key factors: –

• Legal, regulatory, and professional responsibilities
• Risk assessment of the working environment
• Infection prevention and control measures
• Access to personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Virtual first approaches
• Patient risk assessment and clinical reasoning
• Patient consent to treatment

We will continue to comply with the CSP ‘duty of care guidance csp.org.uk/publications/duty-care and the HCPC standards of conduct and ethics hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency and adapt our practice as it relates to Covid-19.

Our standard operating procedures have been updated to include how we identify risks, manage risk, and maintain a safe environment as it relates to Covid-19 and for face-to-face appointments, record keeping and contact tracing.

An updated risk assessment of the practice in relation to Covid-19 has been carried out.

All staff members have been informed and new practices put into immediate effect.

We are complying with Public Health England guidance Wuhan-novel-coronavirus- infection-prevention-and-control for Covid-19.

When you enter the practice, you will be asked to use hand sanitiser. If you are wearing a mask, you will need to remove this first and discard before sanitising your hands. Please bring a clean mask with you to wear during your session. If you do not have a mask, you can purchase one from the clinic (£1).

All couches, face cushions and furniture will be cleaned between each patient.

All surfaces and door handles you come into contact with, will be cleaned between each patient.

The practice will be cleaned after each session and deep cleaned once a week.

Social distancing will be observed whilst you wait for your appointment.

We would ask that you try and use the bathroom at home before attending your appointment.

You should now book appointments by phone or online and make payments by direct deposit or online prior to your treatment session or on receipt of your invoice after your appointment; this will minimise your time spent in the reception area / practice.

All staff members will always now wear PPE. This will consist of a face visor, mask, apron, and gloves.

Aprons and gloves will be changed for every patient.

In line with CSP guidance, all patients requesting a physiotherapy consultation, will continue to have this initial session online.

During this appointment, you will be assessed, a diagnosis is given to you where possible; advice and exercise program will be devised for you and emailed to you.

Subsequent sessions will also be conducted online as much as possible.

As we manage your symptoms virtually, if a point arrives where there is a consensus between you and the physio, that a face-to-face appointment is indicated, it is important that you are aware of the risks involved: –

Studies provide evidence that Covid-19 is primarily transmitted from people who are symptomatic being in close contact with others, through respiratory droplets ( droplets produced by breathing, talking, sneezing or coughing), by direct contact with someone who is infected or by contact with objects and surfaces which have been contaminated. (WHO Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 73)

The measures that we have put in place as described above, should minimise any potential risk during the close and direct contact in a physiotherapy assessment or treatment.

You will also need to complete and return a covid-19 screening sheet prior to the appointment.

Your consent for treatment, informed of the risks, will be documented on the physiotherapy record.

If you present with 3 or more Covid-19 high risk factors, at this time we
will be unable to offer you a face-to-face appointment.

Please inform your physio if you are: –

• Age >70
• BMI >40
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have a comorbidity causing immunosuppression
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• An existing infection
• Alcohol abuse
• Smoking
• Long term steroid use
• Known cancer diagnosis and on active treatment.

This document will be reviewed and updated regularly, to ensure that we continue to keep you and our team safe whilst at Back2Balance. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch – karen@back2balancephysio.com or 0208 531 5662.