Covid-19 Screening Questions and Information
Covid-19 Screening Questions
1 Have you have a fever in the last 7 days? (feeling hot to touch on your chest or back) NB you may also like to take your temperature with a thermometer. On the day, if you register 37.8 degrees or above on my thermometer, we will cancel the appointment.
2 Do you now, or have you recently had a persistent dry cough? (coughing a lot for more than an hour, 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours or worsening of a pre-existing cough)
3 Have you lost sensations of taste and smell?
4 Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 14 days who has been diagnosed with Covid-19 or has coronovirus-type symptoms?
5 Have you been told to stay at home, self-isolate or self-quarantine? (Including returning from holidays on the quarantine list).
6 Do you or anyone that you live with fall into the ‘clinically vulnerable’ or ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ categories as defined below?
If you answer ‘yes’ to question 6 we need to have a discussion about whether coming for treatment is sensible for you; if the pros outweigh the risk for you. Please check the latest government guidance advice for these categories.
Please also cancel your appointment if you have a normal cold.
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Categories of people vulnerable to Covid-19
Clinically vulnerable people
People in this category of risk include:
Anyone aged 70 and older (regardless of medical conditions)
Anyone under 70 with an underlying health condition (that is, anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds) – such as:
Chronic (long-term) mild to moderate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
A weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines (such as steroid tablets )
Being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
Pregnant women
Clinically extremely vulnerable people
People in this category of risk include:
Solid organ transplant recipients.
People with specific cancers:
People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy
People with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy
People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
People with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), homozygous sickle cell).
People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.
Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.
Other people have also been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, based on clinical judgement and an assessment of their needs. GPs and hospital clinicians have been provided with guidance to support these decisions.
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Test and Trace
In the eventuality that I, Danielle Croft gets symptoms of COVID-19 within 48 hours of having close contact with you during the appointment and then later test positive, I am obligated under law to provide your name, phone number or email and the date and time of your visit to the test and trace service. Please note that by attending the appointment you give consent for this.
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Information About Your Appointment; Covid-19 Changes
In line with recommendations from the British Acupuncture council, I have completed a Covid-19 risk assessment for my clinic. I have made changes to make my clinic space as safe as possible.
There is no charge for a late cancellation due to ill health/ suspected ill health.
Social Distancing
Due to the nature of treatment, which is hands-on and involves close physical proximity over an extended period of time, there may be an elevated risk of disease transmission. Where possible I will remain socially distanced from you.
If you would prefer to schedule a phone appointment for the consultation/talking part of the treatment the day before, please let me know. This would shorten your time in clinic as you will be coming in only for your treatment.
Unless you require assistance for specific support, or need your parent or carer with you, please enter the clinic alone. Please leave accessory items like bags and coats in the car.
Before arrival
If you develop symptoms between completing the pre-screening questions and your appointment time, please cancel. Please also cancel if you have a normal cold.
If you don’t mind, please wear freshly laundered clothes to the appointment. I will provide a disinfected box next to the chair for you to put your clothes and belongings into.
Entering the clinic
Please enter the clinic at your exact time of appointment. Please do not enter earlier, as you may previously have done. You are welcome to arrive earlier and sit in your car.
I will take your temperature with a distance forehead thermometer. If you read 37.8 degrees (100.04 f) or above we will agree to cancel the appointment.
Hand washing
Upon arrival you will be asked to wash your hands and then sanitise your hands. I also advise you to sanitise your hands when leaving. Sanitiser is also available during your treatment. I will be keeping my hands washed and sanitised through your treatment.
Face masks- Disposable must be worn
Please come into the clinic wearing your own fresh disposable mask which has not been worn before. Alternatively I can then supply you with a surgical fluid resistant disposable mask for 70p. I'm afraid You cannot wear fabric washable masks or other face coverings.
You should wear your mask through the entire treatment. If you feel this will be an issue for you please discuss this with me prior to your appointment.
Practitioner PPE
I will be wearing appropriate PPE in line with current guidance. This is currently a fluid resistant surgical mask (type IIR) and a visor. I will be wearing a fresh plastic apron. My clinic uniform is laundered daily.
Hygiene
Surfaces and taps are disinfected between patients. The room is aired between patients for 30 minutes.
Windows are left open during the treatment to allow for air flow. The room is unfortunately colder due to this.
Linen
Please bring your own freshly 60-degree laundered towel or fleece blanket as a top cover for the treatment couch for warmth if you would like to. I will be providing fresh sheets which go under and over you. If you don’t feel you need an extra top layer, you don't need to bring a towel or blanket, however the room is colder due to ventilation so I advise it.
Payment
Please pay me via internet banking if possible. A cheque is then preferred. I will take cash if this is totally necessary.
Prices
My standard treatment prices have gone up by £1 (£46 massage, £51 acupuncture) plus the cost-price of a disposable mask of 70p unless you bring your own.
Who is allowed to come for treatment?
On 4th July, British Acupuncture Council members moved to ‘careful practice’ stage. This means that we can now also open for all reasons of coming for treatment. However, professional judgement and sensible patient judgement still needs to be used to weigh up the needs versus risks for each patient.
In the case of another lockdown or circuit breaker lockdown, I am able to remain open for 'urgent care and high needs' treatments.
If you have any questions at all, email or call me.
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