Thank you for being so patient!
The British Acupuncture Council has been gradually allowing practitioners to return to work, which is great news, and I am very happy to be opening up my acupuncture treatments again from 8th July. It is still very important that we take good care of our health and strengthen our innate immune to stay as strong and healthy as possible. Acupuncture can also help with those suffering from aches, and pains, stress and anxiety, diabetes and autoimmune diseases as well as many other conditions. And IVF clinics have now reopened so I am looking forward to supporting patients through their fertility journeys.
In order to provide a safe environment for my patients and comply with BAcC guidelines I am implementing a number of changes and safety measures:
Full risk assessments will be completed for each of my clinics
Every patient will be asked to complete the BAcC Covid-Safe pre-treatment questionnaire (see below to download).
I will only be running at 50% capacity so there will be at least 30 mins between patients, minimising patient interaction and allowing time for thorough cleaning.
All soft furnishings in clinic are wipeable or disposable, and all surfaces and points of contact will be disinfected between treatments.
I will (as usual) wash my hands prior to any physical contact and immediately after. I will also ask patients to use alcohol gel upon entering the clinic/treatment room, which I will provide.
I will wear fresh scrubs, and for each patient a plastic apron, plus mask and eye protection. I will also ask you to wear a mask (which I can provide, or you are welcome to bring).
In order to offer the same level of healing touch through my treatments it’s easier if I don’t wear gloves while needling, but I can of course, if you’d prefer (and I will wear gloves when placing needles on the face).
Hand sanitiser will be available in each room for your use, plus plenty of soap, disinfectants, wipes, and other PPE as required.
I will check my own temperature daily, and will be using the government Contact Tracing App.
Download the BAcC Covid-Safe pre-treatment questionnaire:
Some tips for treatment:
Check symptoms: Do you have a cough or fever? If for any reason you’re unsure whether you should visit, please contact me. I will also ask you to complete a BAcC pre-treatment health questionnaire, which I’ll send to you before you visit.
Be on time: If you arrive early, please wait outside (weather permitting) to avoid hanging around in the waiting room. At the Scorpio clinic, please wait in your car.
Let me get the door: Please allow me to open doors on your arrival and exit (where possible), but rest assured all door handles are disinfected after each patient.
Use the bathroom before you arrive: At Scorpio, the toilet facilities are closed. Elsewhere, clients will be asked to wipe door handles/flush after use with wipes provided.
Practice good hygiene: Cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow to avoid spreading germs.
Come prepared: Please bring your own towel if you can. You’re also welcome to wear your own mask (or I can provide one for you). I want to ensure you feel like your health and safety is catered for from the moment you book your appointment to the moment you walk out the door. Do let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, and I look forward to seeing you in clinic very soon!
Your new look acupuncture appointment
I will also be changing the way I carry out treatments, to minimise contact and promote safety. Appointments will now consist of two parts - an online consultation and an in- person treatment.
1. Your online consultation
In order to minimise your time in clinic I will arrange a time with you for a pre-treatment consultation, preferably via video call. On this call I’ll answer any questions you may have and gather all the information I need from you to plan your treatment. I’ll also:
Run through a BAcC Covid-safe pre-treatment questionnaire and consent form with you (or ask you to complete and send back to me).
Take details of your main concerns and symptoms.
Ask some general questions about your health and wellbeing.
Look at your tongue, or ask you to take a picture and send it to me.
Plan your acupuncture treatment and let you know where I expect to put needles, so you know what to wear to your appointment.
Book our next online appointment - so have your diary handy.
If for any reason I think the risk of you attending in-person for an acupuncture appointment is too great I will explain this to you and give you my reasons.
For patients who are shielding I will continue to offer online consultations only.
For patients in high-risk groups I’ll be deciding each case individually, but will continue with online consultations unless face-to-face appointments are essential for treatment.
2. Your Acupuncture Appointment
Your in-person appointment will last for 20-25 minutes maximum, and close contact will be for less than 15 minutes.
Before you come, please:
Check your temperature again (do not come if you have a temperature)
Wear clothes that minimise any need to get undressed
Aim to arrive at the time of your appointment
Arrive wearing a mask (or I can give you one) and keep it on throughout your appointment
Bring your own towel if you would like to
When you arrive I ask that you:
Take your shoes off – I have plastic overshoes if you would like them
Allow me to check your temperature by contactless thermometer on arrival
Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser provided
Avoid using your mobile phone in the treatment room
I will maintain a minimum of 2 metres distance except when taking your pulse, needling and removing needles.
Please sanitise your hands again as you leave.
I hope this information is clear and reassuring. Of course please do get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. And I very much look forward to welcoming you back into clinic soon!