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September 27, 2017Restricted facilities but we’re still here for you…..
March 23, 2020Treatment as usual – Coronavirus update
Dear Patients
In this evolving and unprecedented time, I wanted to update you all on the Covid-19 situation from the perspective of our Practice.WE REMAIN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN DEVELOPMENTS AND ARE FOLLOWING ADVICE
The health and wellbeing of our patients, team and healthcare colleagues are our top priority and I wanted to reassure you of the attention we continue to pay to the evolving scenario, paying due diligence to national and local advice from the Government, Public Health England, the NHS, the Royal College of Surgeons of England and local hospitals and treatment centres.
With the uncertainty that exists regarding the extent and duration of this Coronavirus outbreak it is important for us to balance the need to protect people and the importance of maintaining day-to-day life. Without detracting from the potential severity of this illness in the elderly, immunocompromised or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, it is reassuring to note that the majority of people with COVID-19 have recovered without the need for any specific treatment, as is the case for the common cold or seasonal flu.IT’S CURRENTLY “BUSINESS AS USUAL”
At present we are consulting and operating as normal but remain vigilant of the situation and flexible to alter working practices as the need and/or evidence dictates.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
We recognise that meeting your Doctor for the first time or undergoing surgery can be anxiety-inducing and as such always aim to greet you with a warm welcome, but for the time being, this will be without a handshake or unnecessary physical contact. We are also taking the following precautionary measures:
1. Physical contact will be kept to a minimum.
2. Where an examination is necessary, gloves will be worn. 3. Hand washing occurs before and after any patient consultation and additionally after any patient contact. 4. Examination couches are sanitised after every patient use. 5. There is no evidence to support the routine wearing of masks in an outpatient setting but these will be worn as usual for any surgery and may be worn for minor injectable procedures where close proximity is required. 6. We continue to screen our patients’ risk factors by telephone/email prior to any consultation/surgery and those considered at high risk instructed not to attend. 7. Our admin team is working remotely from the hospital. 8. Upcoming attendance at conferences have been cancelled.WHAT WOULD WE LIKE YOU TO DO?
For the past few weeks, we have been contacting patients prior to their appointment or surgery to ensure that they have not recently returned from areas of concern, have any symptoms or been in contact with anyone who has been unwell. We will continue to do so but would also ask all of our patients to subscribe to the following Public Health England advice:
1. Prevent the spread of infection.Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work.
2. Be prepared to self-isolate. Consult the government website about isolation requirements following travel and know what symptoms to look out for (see below).
Consult the government website about isolation requirements following travel and know what symptoms to look out for (see below).
4. Use health services wisely.
In addition to the general advice above, we would recommend that you acquaint yourselves with the relevant advice issued by either the Manor Hospital or Chipping Norton Health Centre (as appropriate).
WE WANT TO HELP
We want to help as much as we can. It is a difficult situation for everyone and we recognise that each and every one of your circumstances will be different. There is currently no plan to postpone appointments for consultations or surgery. We are however happy to reschedule but ask that you provide at least 72 hours notice for consultations and 1 week for surgery. If you become unwell then we will, of course, cancel at short notice.
Thank you.
If you have any other queries please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team. With kind regards
