Further to todays (18th March 2020) guidance from the GCC we have been advised that we can continue to practice provided that there is no increased risk to our patients or ourselves. No practitioners or staff at the clinic have experienced any symptoms of Coronavirus, nor been in contact with anyone who has displayed symptoms. We are asking patients to not attend clinic if they are experiencing any of the symptoms of Coronavirus and to please follow Government guidelines on how to proceed.
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Hygiene arrangements are paramount and we are extending our normal rigorous cleaning and hygiene standards to include disinfecting door handles, taps, treatment room surfaces, treatment bench and card machines with Clinell between each patient. We are asking every patient to wash their hands with soap and hot water immediately on arrival at the clinic. We are obviously increasing the number of times we as practitioners are hand washing also.
We are managing patient flow by increasing the intervals between appointments to minimise any patient to patient contact in the waiting room/reception areas. Patients are asked to arrive punctually for their appointments and not to arrive unduly early, then to wait either in the fresh air outside or in their cars and we will wave or call you in once clinic is ready for you.
Equine treatments will carry on as normal at your yards. I will be taking measures to minimise any contact with owners/grooms etc at present and will be bringing hand sanitiser with me for use after handling head collars/leadropes/stable doors/tack etc. I will obviously not be greeting any owners with the usual handshake!
For canine patients where I do a home visit, please do not ask me to come to your home if any member of your household is displaying any coronavirus symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who had symptoms. I will be bringing hand sanitiser along with me and limiting contact with owners.
We are suggesting that patients in high risk groups postpone appointments for prophylactic/preventative care in the short term.
Advice will likely change as this is a dynamic situation.
Please contact us with any concerns via phone/text/email.
Stay safe and look after one another.