As of today, 26 December 2020, we, along with London and most of the south of England, fall under Tier 4 restrictions. This has been implemented due to the alarming rise in infection numbers in our areas. A new variant of the coronavirus has been blamed for this as it appears to be a lot more infectious although not seeming to cause any escalation in disease or symptoms. Another new variant from South Africa has also been identified, also reported to be more infectious but at present does not appear to have become too widespread.
Cornerways will re-open on 7 January 2021 as planned. However, we will need to be even more rigid in our infection control protocols if we are to provide dental care in an acceptably safe manner.
For now, the pre appointment health screening is still our simplest way of ensuring patients do not arrive for their appointments if there is any question as to their current health status. We have two online screening methods, one provided by our practice management software and forms part of the patient portal and one provided by Denscreen. Both are simple questionnaires to be done by the patient on their computers or mobile devices at home. Please inform us if you are not able to access these and we’ll try send you the alternative. These are automatically sent back to us once they are completed. For those without online access we use a manual questionnaire which the patient answers questions over the phone before their appointment. These need to be completed for every appointment whenever there is a gap of more than 3 days between appointments.
With the rapidly developing picture of the pandemic, there will be exceptions allowed to the pre appointment health screening.
- Many of our patients who work within the NHS now test themselves with the rapid lateral flow antigen test kits. They test themselves twice weekly and record their results. If your last test was negative, then we will not require you to complete the questionnaire.
- If you have been fully vaccinated and have evidence of this, you will not be required to complete the questionnaire.
- If you have recently tested positive for the virus and at least 4 weeks have elapsed since the cessation of symptoms and you have evidence to show that you have antibodies present in your system, then a questionnaire will not be required. We are still able to provide antibody testing for a fee of £65.00.
- We now have the capability of doing our own lateral flow antigen tests here at the practice. It involves taking a nasal or throat swab and placing it into a testing module. Results are available within minutes. This is a voluntary option and can be done while you wait in your car prior to your appointment. There will be a charge of £20.00 for this option. A negative test means we can proceed as normal, a positive test will mean you will need to follow up with a PCR test at one of the NHS testing facilities.
We will continue to check temperatures when you arrive and social distancing within the common areas of the practice will be enforced.
We will still maintain our high level of PPE when performing dental procedures here in the practice and we will still stick rigidly to our infection control protocols. This is not only to protect ourselves but also to protect our patients.
However, we fully understand that not everyone will be keen to come to the dentist during these very trying times for a multitude of reasons. So, if you have an appointment booked and do not wish to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can assign your appointment to someone else.
As you are well aware, this is a continually changing scenario for all of us and we will try to keep our ears as close to the ground as possible. We will endeavour to keep you as up to date with any new developments as and when they happen.
For now, follow the guidance, stay safe.
Regards,
The Cornerways Team