We are regularly reviewing and updating our protocols in response to guidance from Public Health England and our practitioners’ professional associations. At the current time we are working to the following policies and protocols for all patients attending the clinic in person.
We would be grateful if you would take the time to read this information in detail before attending your appointment at the clinic. If you have any questions or concerns about anything in the following or related to any aspect of our protocols around Covid 19 please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01926 801111 or email patientcare@coreclinics.co.uk.
Booking a new patient appointment or existing patients wishing to return to clinic
Before we can offer an appointment in clinic we currently require all patients to have a a triage telehealth consultation (via secure video link or phone) with their Case Manager (existing patients) or an appropriate practitioner from our team (new patients). The purpose of this triage session is a) to conduct an initial clinical assessment and b) to be assessed for risk of COVID 19 so as to identify if face to face consultation is the best course of action for you.
To find out more about why we’re working in this way and what the benefits are to you please watch this video:
For the safety of all our patients and team we cannot currently see patients in clinic who:
- Have recently had or present high temperature (>37.8°C)
- Have recently had or present with a new, persistent cough
- Have recently had or present with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Have recently had or present with a new loss of taste or smell
- Have come into contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID 19 is the last 14 days
- Have anyone in their household having symptoms (as above) within the previous 14 days
- Have a letter from the NHS instructing to self-isolate for 12 weeks (into the current period).
Vulnerable patients
We will apply extra precautions to patients fulfilling the following (who will usually be stongly advised towards a telehealth appointment):
- Age 70+
- Pregnant
- Have a severe respiratory condition
- Are receiving cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
- Immunocompromised
If your progress is unsatisfactory with telehealth or you strongly wish to be seen in clinic we can arrange for you to be seen as the first patient of the clinic session (early morning or immediately after lunch) to minimise contagion risk.
PPE (personal protective equipment) and IPC (infection prevention and control) measures for patients at the clinic
- We would be grateful if you would aim to arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment or to wait in your car if you arrive early to minimise your time in shared public space in the clinic. NEW PATIENTS are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their first in person appointment at the clinic.
- Where possible, we ask you not to bring another person to the appointment (exception to be made in safeguarding conditions or if you are unable to get to the clinic by yourself).
- Please try to bring as few items as possible into the clinic building with them (e.g. bags, coats etc.).
Before appointment, all patients MUST:
- Have completed your telehealth triage prior to your appointment.
- Have completed your consent form and asymptomatic declaration (will be emailed to you and copy here.)
- Agree to a temperature check on arrival to the clinic (<37.8°C).
- Upon entry use our hand sanitising / washing facilities and don a clean mask and (optional) gloves. It is preferable that you bring your own mask (if you forget we have washable masks available) and gloves will be provided (optional). NB you should not come into the clinic already wearing gloves as we will ask you to wash or sanitise your hands on your way in.
On entering the building
At a distance of >2m please make reception staff aware of your arrival and provide them with your name.
You’ll be offered refreshments and be advised of which cleaned waiting area to proceed to.
You will be called from your private or socially-distanced waiting area by practitioner when they are ready for you and given further explanation of our new appointment protocols.
Payment and rebooking
Wherever possible we would ask that you make payment in advance online or by phone. Otherwise we will aim to take payment when you arrive (prior to your appointment) to minimise meeting in reception of patients arriving and departing. Contactless payments are encouraged; if required, infection control processes are in place for chip and pin or cash payment (if no alternative).
Where possible your practitioner will book your follow-on appointments, as required, during your consultation. Longer appointment protocols will be booked by phone following visit.
In this way you will not need to re-enter reception after your appointment, again helping to minimise contact in line with social distancing.
On leaving the building
We are inviting patients to exit the building via our rear or side doors. Your practitioner or patient care person will open the door for you having first invited you to use hand sanitiser on your departure.
