This page provides information on the measures we have taken to mitigate risk in the clinic. To check yourself for Covid-19 Symptoms please view the NHS guidelines.
There are links from the UK government response and information for hand washing and face covering. There are also instructions detailing how to make your own face covering.
Chiropractic is listed in Statutory Instrument 350: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, This means that chiropractors may continue to be open and receiving chiropractic treatment is a necessary reason for a patient to travel away from home. We do not see that base legislation changing materially in the near future. All of the local restrictions which have been announced across the UK, permit healthcare services to continue to operate.
To provide patients with as low a risk as possible, Shirebrook Chiropractic has taken Guidance provided by the UK government, British Chiropractic association, Public health England, NHS resources, The General Chiropractic Council, The Health and Safety Executive and the Royal College of Chiropractors.
Following the framework for a Risk-Assessed return to face to Face consultations by the BCA we have completed the Checklist in areas of Literature review, Health and Safety, Regulation from the General Chiropractic Council, PPE, Risk assessment, Staff Considerations and most importantly Patient considerations.
New Procedures for Patients
England has moved to BCA stage 3 of the UK-Wide recovery Strategy allowing Face to Face Consultations for routine patients, not just urgent and emergency patients. Telehealth and phone advice has the lowest risk of Covid-19 transmission and patients are advised to consider this first.
We have carried out a risk assessment and put in procedures to minimize infection. Patients should feel the treatment is worth, and accept the risk involved in face to face consultation. patients identified as vulnerable or with medical conditions that increase susceptibility for infection or complications from infection should phone the clinic prior to thier appointment to discuss options.
To reduce Person to Person contact, onsite staff has been minimized and we are using offsite reception services.
Patients will buzz and wait in the car park, be screened for symptoms of Coronavirus and triaged( if not done online via email or phone) before entering the building. Those with CoronaVirus symptoms will not be allowed in and advised to seek help via NHS111 online.
Patients will be escorted to the treatment room and provided hand rub or hand washing facilities on entry and exit. Patients are advised to wear face coverings when possible.
The treatment table, contact points, keyboard , mouse , pillows, oil bottle, door buzzers, handles and any equipment used by patients is wiped with sanitiser between every patient visit. Toilet facilities are cleaned after every use. Floors are cleaned daily.
The Chiropractor wears Full PPE of disposable aprons, gloves and Type IIr surgical face mask and risk assesses a face shield for each patient. Donning and Doffing procedures in separate rooms as per PHE guidelines.
The Chiropractor will take payment and book patients. Contactless payments are available as well as online payments via Paypal invoice accepting not just PayPal but any debit or credit card as well as prepayment with the online booking system.
Consent can be taken verbally and recorded in patients notes. Secure online consent forms and symptom forms will also reduce need for contact with Pen and Paper. Unfortunately, the GCC requires written consent for New patients. Patients will be asked to bring their own pen or offered a sanitized pen when required.
Scheduling changes will allow increased time for cleaning in between patient visits and for Donning and Doffing PPE as well as appropriate offensive waste management procedures. Patients at higher risk will be offered more isolated slots but all patients will be isolated from other patients.
Toilets are cleaned after every use.
Other station users have returned to the station building and we have coordinated to ensure cleaning of contact points and toilets continue.
Chiropractic patients will only need to touch buzzer 5 and this will be sanitized between patients. Doors will be opened for patients.
Public health England information posters are displayed appropriately through the building and at hand wash stations.
Ventilation is provided by door and window opening as privacy allows.
Staff health is continually monitored for symptoms and will follow NHS guidelines regarding isolation and testing.