As we mentioned in our Christmas newsletter, our governing bodies have instructed us that we can now relax our protocols with regard to treating our patients in the context of the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.
We feel that it’s still a bit too early to be letting our guard down but seeing that the government have already begun easing restrictions and with infection numbers apparently falling daily, we feel that we would start looking at how relaxing restrictions will affect the practice.
Most notably we will be making alterations to our appointment book. One of the restrictions placed on us was to leave a “fallow time” between patients to allow any infective particles to settle out of the air. We have now been instructed that this will no longer be necessary.
The Cornerways team have decided to adopt a modified appointment book starting 1 April 2022. This applies in particular to the hygienists appointments. So if you have appointments booked already from 1 April, please be prepared to receive notification of your appointment being moved slightly earlier or slightly later. If you’re unsure please give us a call to check for any changes.
In addition, the advice given also mentions that we no longer are required to use the enhanced PPE, particularly with regard to aerosol generating procedures (AGP). We feel that we feel safer wearing our current gear and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
The above changes rely heavily on the completion of a pre appointment health screening to be completed by the patient. These are sent to you via text and e mail appointment reminders. There is a link in the reminder to fill in your forms. Please do these as it is the pivotal bit of information which will help us to continue to treat you safely. If you have any of the symptoms or if a member of your household is showing any symptoms we would prefer it if we simply re arrange your appointment.
When you arrive at the practice for your appointment now, you will no longer be required to wait in your car, please come into the practice, we will still be checking temperatures, sanitize your hands and you may be seated in the waiting room. We will attempt to have not more than 3 people in the waiting room at any one time.
Please contact us if you have any queries or concerns.
Regards,
The Cornerways Team