Seeing your Osteopath during Covid-19

 

This page is to let you know about some of the changes I have made to help with social distancing and to enhance our safety in the light of Covid-19.

 

This video summarises what most osteopaths are doing across the country.  Below that I’ve laid out the exact steps we will take when you make an appointment to see me.

Before your appointment:

I will telephone you before your appointment to check you do not have any symptoms of Covid-19. Please do not come to the clinic if you have a temperature, a new cough or change in taste or smell.  Or if you have been in close contact with anyone known to be infected.

When you come to clinic:

  • Please wear a face mask.  If you don’t have your own mask I can provide one but will have to charge £1 (please note- unlike some clinics I have not raised my prices to cover PPE and other Covid-19 expenses)
  • As of January, the waiting room is open.  Please come in and take a seat near my door (on the far side of the room).
  • Please arrive just in time so you can avoid spending too long in there with other people who may be waiting for the GP surgery or Family Nursing.
  • Please do not bring any unnecessary bags or coats.
  • You have the right to bring a chaperone if you wish, but any extra people in the treatment room present an increased risk of transmission, and I will need to screen them for Covid-19 symptoms too.

On arrival

When I welcome you in, I will be wearing a mask, apron and gloves.  It looks a bit strange but it’s for everyone’s safety, so hopefully you will find it reassuring rather than off-putting!

I will ask you to sanitize your hands and I will also take your temperature using a non-contact thermometer.

Payment

Please pay by bank card or Apple Pay, although I will still accept cash or cheque if this is not possible.

 

After you leave

As well as thorough handwashing, I will be following enhanced hygiene measures such as cleaning all surfaces and touch points after every patient.  I have acquired special pillowcases and plinth covers, which can be wiped down.
I will allow 10-15 minutes between each patient to ventilate the room.
The room is washed with bleach at the end of every day.

 

New Patients

 

To reduce the time spent in close proximity I will try to take your case history over Skype, Zoom, or over the telephone.

This normally takes about 30 minutes and I will be looking for the same information as I would in a normal case history: a clear description of your problem, how it started, what makes it worse or better, and general health history such as any medication you may be taking or a history of surgery.

It also gives you a chance to see me without a mask on my face!

Some people may prefer to continue with telehealth consultations and not even come into clinic if that seems appropriate.