The days are becoming shorter and there definitely is more of a chill in the air; winter is on its way.
We feel that this would be a good time to re assess our current position regarding our practice protocols, particularly with regard to the pandemic.
Most establishments have relaxed many of their restrictions and it is wonderful to feel like we are returning to some semblance of normality.
However, due to the nature of what we do, we do not believe that now is the time to be complacent. Infection numbers are still high, and although our vaccination program has been phenomenal, we believe that relaxing any of our protocols here at Cornerways would be too risky for ourselves and for our patients. Many of you have already received your booster jabs and we would strongly advise that you have your flu jabs as well.
As mentioned in our previous update pre appointment health screening will be essential. Even if you have been fully vaccinated or regularly undergo lateral flow testing, this is an extra layer of protection for everyone. Your health screening questionnaire and medical history updates are sent to you in your appointment reminders either by text or e mail. By doing these online, it certainly makes things a lot easier for us and streamlines your journey through the practice. If you do not have access to the internet, please remember to call us just before your appointment and we can do the health screening and updates over the phone.
When you arrive at the practice for your appointment, you may wait in your car until you are called in (please park facing the reception area so that you are able to see us when we call you in), let us know by whatever means that you have arrived. Alternatively, you may come in and wait in our waiting room if it is too cold to wait outside. We will attempt to have not more than 3 people in the waiting room at any one time.
We will continue to check temperatures when you arrive, hands must be decontaminated 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.
Infection control levy
Our infection control levy will remain in place for the foreseeable future. We introduced this levy at the height of the pandemic when we returned to work after the first lock down. The levy was introduced in order help the practice cover the cost of putting in to place all the necessary equipment, procedures and protocols to allow us to continue to provide as normal a dental service to our patients as possible. This is an ongoing expense and does not only include what you may see in the surgery, there is an awful lot that happens in the background that you may not be aware of. Our levy, as far as we can tell, is very reasonable compared to other practices around us.
Cornerways team news
Both Suzanne and Mary-Lou have had health issues recently and both have undergone surgical procedures this last year. Both have recovered well and are back at work. Currently we are experiencing some unexpected staffing issues so we ask you to please be patient with us as we may need to alter your appointments at short notice.
Road works
We have received notification that there will be road works in Water Lane and High Street from 18 to 25 October. For more information see http://streetworks.org.uk/live-traffic-works-map/.
Please be aware that this will certainly impact on the traffic in and out of the village and on your journey times to the practice. Kindly allow for sufficient time for your journey as if you are too late for your appointment, we may not be able to see you.
For now, follow the guidance, stay safe.
Regards,
The Cornerways Team