As we enter this phase of local lockdowns, some things may seem familiar to last time and others different. One aspect to consider is that we are prepared for it this time. We take the health of our staff and patients very seriously so in light of local restrictions being re introduced, I’m here today to run you through some of the changes that have been put in place at Agile since reopening to reassure you that we are open and working in a safe way that is compliant with the local guidelines for Wales.
At Agile, we help a lot of people in pain, injuries and disabilities that affect their work, sport and every day life. It is still important to seek early treatment to optimise outcomes and safeguard your health and screen for serious pathology. You are reasonably allowed to leave a “locked down” area to seek treatment
“Obtain or provide medical assistance including: dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health. Also for veterinary services.”
PPE
You may have noticed since reopening our staff are wearing gloves, masks and aprons during treatments and all patients are required to wear masks on entry into the clinic. We also have signs to reinforce messages of social distancing and the importance of not attending clinic if you have any symptoms. We also now have a contactless thermometer which you will be scanned with before your appointment starts.
Enhanced cleaning
As a healthcare facility, regular cleaning and hand washing has always been part of our practice. We use Clinell wipes to clean down the bed, wipe the pillows and clean the chair, doorhandles and clinic areas between each patient. These wipes have been tested on coronavirus and have been shown to kill it within 30 seconds*. Additionally, we now have hand sanitiser stations and hand gels are always readily available. We have also swapped to paper towels rather than use the hand dryers to further enhance hygiene of the clinical and non clinical areas.
Staggered appointments
You may have noticed our appointment times have changed – we are leaving 15 minutes between appointments to reduce the likelihood that patients come into contact with one another. This also allows for time to ventilate the clinic areas (hopefully not too chilly as we head into the winter months but this might mean it’s worth bringing a vest top to wear for a shoulder/back problem etc/bring layers). There are also screening questions for you to answer virtually and confirm face to face on arrival.
NHS Covid App
Our NHS Covid app QR code is visible and available as you walk into clinic, on the wall behind the hand sanitiser station, so if you are using the app you’re welcome to scan it and check in. Our usual record keeping however is very accurate in terms of times that people have been arriving and leaving the building for track and trace information.
Distancing
We recommend that you avoid arriving too early for your appointment and wait in the car until close to the time it starts. We have staggered appointments and spread out the chairs in the waiting room, the admin staff are working behind a screen and we have floor stickers to guide social distancing. We have also reduced the capacity of the rooms by spreading out the bed spaces to better adhere to social distancing procedures. The therapist will be sitting at least 2 metres away from your during the talking part of your assessment and will only be closer than that when necessary and in the appropriate PPE.
Telehealth
We are continuing to offer virtual appointments through this time via video call so you can get assessment, treatment and management advice from the comfort of your own home. No downloads are required, simply click on the link we send you prior to your appointment to join the call at your allotted time. This also means that even if you’re not based in South Wales and the surrounding areas, you can access vital information and support from our highly knowledgable and experienced clinicians from anywhere in the world. We are also continuing to provide Pilates classes via zoom to help you maintain your strength and fitness from home.
You may have noticed a lot of these changes already since our reopening in the summer and there may yet be more to come as we monitor the guidelines as the situation progresses in the future. All our staff are committed to minimising risk, maintaining safety and ensuring we can continue to deliver the high standards of care we have always delivered.
To book in now give us a call on 02920 099400 or book online at https://www.agiletherapy.com/book/
For more information on our Covid-19 procedures and protocols https://www.agiletherapy.com/covid-19/
* https://gamahealthcare.com/latest/clinell-efficacy-against-coronavirus-covid-19
Written by Rebekah Knight, Physiotherapist.
Rebekah graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc Physiotherapy in 2013.