Everyone is welcome. There is no discrimination - everyone is entitled to treatment.

This document provides a written record of the heightened infection control measures that this clinic has put into place to ensure the safety of staff and patients since the event of COVID-19. This risk assessment and mitigation record is undertaken in conjunction with a review of the Institute of Osteopathy’s guidance on ‘Infection control and PPE’ and ‘Adapting practice guide’ and in response to several professional advice webinars, deploying recommendations by The General Osteopathic Council, the Institute of Osteopathy, the Academy of Physical Medicine, the NHS and PHE. They are to be reviewed subject to updated government advice and guidance by the relevant regulators. An overview of precautions and measures taken to mitigate patient and practitioner risk of COVID-19 infection is set out below:

Pre-screening of Patients

All patients are requested to inform the practitioner prior to an appointment if they feel unwell, or they begin to feel unwell within 3 days after the appointment.

Social distancing measures

A 15-minute time window between patient appointments aims to prevent patient-to-patient contact in the clinic and the time will also be used to air and spray down the room and treatment furniture with non-toxic Hypochlorous acid (HCL) Hand & Surface Sanitiser. Therefore, kindly arrive on time and no earlier.

Increased Protection Measures

The practitioner will adhere to social distancing rules during the case history consultation process.

PPE (fluid resistant surgical mask, plastic apron/or freshly laundered and tumble-dried tunic, and non-sterile powder-free gloves unless hands can be disinfected) to be worn by the practitioner throughout the examination and treatment.

Room and equipment to be sanitised with Hypochlorous acid (HCL) which is a non-toxic Hand & Surface Sanitiser (kills 99.99% of Virus and Bacteria Alcohol Free) before and after each use.

Practitioner hygiene

Bare arms below the elbow, no jewellery, watches, or bracelets to be worn (this is normal practice).

Hands and forearms to the elbow to be washed with soap for at least 20 seconds, or sanitised (didecyldimonium chloride based hand sanitising foam or HCL) prior to and after each patient consultations (this is normal practice).

The practitioner will wear PPE (set out below) during the entire consultation and is conversant in donning and doffing, and use of PPE.

The practitioner will wear a fluid resistant surgical mask (FRSM). FRSM are to be replaced when potentially contaminated, damaged, damp, or difficult to breathe through. Once removed FRSM cannot be re-used.

Single-use aprons or freshly laundered and tumble-dried tunics will be in use (and replaced after each patient visit during peaks of seasonal infections).

The practitioner will wear non-sterile powder free gloves during the examination and treatment process, if required.

Patient hygiene

Patients are invited to wear a mask.

Patients will be encouraged to use hand sanitiser which can be provided by the practitioner (didecyldimonium chloride based hand sanitising foam or hypochlorous acid (HCL)) on arrival and departure, and during the consultation if deemed necessary. Those that do not wish to use sanitiser are welcome to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry hands with either single use paper towels, or a fresh towel, as provided.

Treatment room

No linen will be used on the treatment table for osteopathic treatments. A new paper couch roll cover is used for each patient (this is normal practice).

Freshly laundered and tumble dried sheets and covers are used for each individual client of massage therapy.

Pillow cases covered with wipe-able plastic or are wipeable.

All surfaces including the treatment table, pillow cases, door handles, chairs and other hard surfaces, telephones, payment, and other communications and technology are sanitised after each patient visit.

The treatment room will be aired for 15 minutes between each patient visit.

General cleaning

Common areas/washrooms and other contact surfaces will be sanitised with HCL after every visit.

The entry bell, door knocker, door handles inside and outside will be sanitised with HCL after each patient visit.

PPE and paper couch roll used to cover the plinth will be disposed in plastic bags and stored 72 hours before being added to normal waste.

All cloths, sanitiser wipes, and other used cleaning products to be disposed of as if PPE.

Domiciliary Visits

For a domiciliary visit, the practitioner will wear an FRSM on entering a patient’s home, change into sanitised footwear and sanitise hands and forearms with HCL on arrival and departure or wash hands and forearms to the elbow with soap for at least 20 seconds. The practitioner will wear a face mask or face shield and adhere to social distancing rules during the case history consultation process.

The practitioner will wear an FRSM, apron and non-sterile powder-free gloves throughout the examination and treatment process if necessary and if sanitation is not possible.

The practitioner will not unnecessarily touch or use any surfaces within the home that are not required for the treatment.

It is expected that the patient provides linens, blankets or pillows for the treatment in their home and is invited to wear a mask during the treatment session.

Last updated 16 December 2021