THE MUSCULAR & SKELETAL CLINIC

COVID-19

WORKING PRACTICES

Updated January 2023

Before coming to our clinic for treatment, it is required that you read the following statement, so that you are briefed on our working practices in order to keep you and us safe.

APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE

• Please do not attend an appointment if you have any classic cold/flu symptoms whatsoever or are feeling generally unwell (symptoms that are new and recent). Please telephone the clinic, leaving a message, to inform us that you need to rebook your appointment.
• On arrival at the clinic, please enter the door to the left of the house and wait in our waiting room. You will be collected from there by your healthcare professional.
• Hand sanitizer is available on the table in the waiting area for your use.

HYGIENE

• Healthcare professionals, use sanitizer regularly during every treatment and wash their hands between every patient.
• Patients’ shoes are to be removed once in the building.
• Patients to only bring what is absolutely essential into the building ie. Coat, keys, lensed glasses and payment card.
• Patients are requested to shower before coming to their appointment and wear clean clothing that has not been worn elsewhere.
• ALL surfaces in use, ie. Treatment plinth, chairs, door handles, card machine, equipment, etc., are washed down with anti-bacterial and anti-viral spray regularly.
• Windows in the clinics and waiting area will be kept open at all times for ventilation. On cooler days, fan heaters/oil filled radiators will be on to ensure sufficient warmth in these areas.

HEALTH & SAFETY

• Patients are advised to come to their appointment alone, if possible, to avoid numbers in the waiting room.
• Patients are asked to ensure that they attend their appointment on time as a sterilizing process has to be carried out between every patient to ensure a clean and sterile environment for the next patient. Failure to do so may result in a reduced treatment time.

FACILITIES

• The driveway may be used, by all, only when the weather is poor. Otherwise, it is politely requested that abled bodied people park in Ruden Way (4 house widths away from the clinic) in order to avoid congestion in the clinic driveway.
• Disabled and elderly patients may use the driveway at all times.

WORKING PRACTICES

• All working practices are in accordance with, and beyond, the guidelines provided for our industry by Public Health England. However, please be aware that the risk can never be zero!
• PPE and social distancing is no longer a legal requirement in the Healthcare Industry. However, healthcare professionals may continue to exercise these rules if they feel it is necessary to do so. Patients may do the same if they wish. Please advise your healthcare professional if this is your preference.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Whilst it is thought that people are most contagious when they are symptomatic, it is possible for any virus to be carried by people showing no symptoms. Ultimately, we are doing everything that we can reasonably do to minimise risk whilst serving the public in our profession. 
• It is politely requested that you take a lateral flow test on the day of your appointment at our clinic to ensure that you are not positive, yet have no symptoms.
• We thank you for your kind attention to our Working Practices and ask that you exercise them fully for everyone’s safety.