Covid Policy

Context

Acupuncture treatment is a close-contact service which can not be done remotely, outdoors or at a social distance

  • In the clinic I see clients who may be unvaccinated, pregnant, undergoing fertility and cancer treatments or have health conditions that could mean a infection could be reasonably expected to have serious or life threatening consequences

  • Should I contract an infection or have a case in the clinic then I may need to close for up to 10 days. This will cause significant anxiety to myself and my clients and compromise their treatment.

  • It is my duty as a health care practitioner to protect my clients from harm where the measures to do this are reasonable and non-prejudicial

What you can expect from me

I am no longer required to wear a facemask in the clinic and neither are my clients. However, I fully accept that for some of my clients continued wearing of a mask during treatment by either, or both of us is a safeguard that they choose for the protection of themselves and others who may use the clinic. I fully support you if your wish for either or both of us to wear a mask.

I will continue to have the following measures in place measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect myself, you and other clients:

  • Hand-washing will continue as it has done for many years in accordance with Association of Acupuncture Clinicians and British Acupuncture Council Guidelines for Safe Practice

  • All touch surfaces will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.

  • Fresh linens, or couch paper will be provided.

  • Hand wash facilities, paper towels, a touch-free waste bin and hand sanitiser will be provided

  • Cloakroom touch surfaces and toilet will be cleaned regularly

  • I will continue to use a UV-C air steriliser in the treatment room

  • I will continue to use a lateral flow test if I have any possible symptoms that may suggest infection and I will not work if face-to face if I or anyone in my household tests positive for Covid 19

  • I will inform you if I have a positive test according to the rules and advice at that time

  • I will deep clean the clinic should I be informed of a client testing positive for Covid 19 who has been in the clinic in accordance with the requirements of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians

  • I will ask all clients to act in ways that protect others and reduce risk

What I ask of you

Please help me to keep you, your families and other clients safe. This will help minimise disruptions in the clinic, including the necessity to close.

If you think that you have possible symptoms of an infection please get tested, or take the appropriate action and call me to have your appointment rescheduled. Please do not assume that symptoms are your usual pattern of IBS or allergies.

  • As of the 16th August 2021 people who have had the double vaccination will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. This does not apply in medical settings such as this clinic. I would ask you not to attend clinic if you have been identified as a close contact as vaccination does not prevent you getting COVID-19 nor infecting others.

  • FACE MASKS
    As of 19th July 2021 it is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering, however, the government did recommend that you wear one in close contact situations such as an acupuncture treatment up to early 2023.

  • I am happy to wear a mask for your treatment should you want me to, and I will check your preferences around this. Your comfort and ease is a priority.

  • You may choose to wear a mask during your treatment, and I may recommend that we both continue to wear a mask if I judge that you may a vulnerable person from your medical history, upcoming medical treatments or your preferences.

  • I can provide you with a facemark if you forget and need one.

  • WASH YOUR HANDS ON ENTRY

  • SETTLE ON THE COUCH AND RELAX IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS