Covid - 19 Alert level 3
Physiotherapy is available at alert level 3. This means if you clear our covid screening process we can see you face to face, If you have a running nose, flu type symptoms then we will arrange this to be done via telehealth.
We have developed effective and safe processes you keep you and us safe while we assess and treat your injury. Our safety plan meets the stringent Moh Guildelines to ensure we all stay stafe under alert level 3.
Here is our health and safety plan for Total Body physiotherapy under alert level 3:
For face-to-face contact appointments
1.Risk Assessment and Screening
We will screen and risk assess patients and any support persons (if required) for risk of COVID-19 prior to face-to-face consultations. Patients should be screened when booking the appointment and then re-screened when they arrive at the clinic, or you arrive at their place of residence.
When making an appointment for a face-to-face consultation, we will advise patients if they do develop symptoms between booking and attending their consultation, they must call to cancel the face-to-face consultation and seek medical advice.
We will document in the patient clinical record the clinical decision on whether to see a patient face to face or otherwise.
2.Pre preparation
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Our Physiotherapist and practice staff/contractors are encouraged to be fully vaccinated
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We have read and have knowledge of current Health and Safety procedures and guidance from Ministry of Health including ‘advice for all health professionals’ and the Board’s Serious Event Standard
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we have a plan in place for your premises e.g., identifying which door patients will enter and leave from
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we will select PPE as recommended by Ministry of Health, source PPE and retrain staff on its use, including donning, removing and disposing of PPE
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have cleaning materials and PPE sourced and in stock at the clinic
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cleaning plan developed and implemented
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all physiotherapists and support staff retrained in new clinic procedures and all procedures provided to them
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ensuring meeting the physical distancing requirements
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set up a register of all people who have been in the clinic/service with current contact details confirmed such as staff members, delivery/pick up personnel and cleaning staff, in case contact tracing is later required using our cliniko system.
3.Preparation
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patient and required support person and those in their bubble whānau screened for COVID-19 signs or symptoms by phone or telehealth prior to offering a consultation in the clinic. See flowchart here
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when making the appointment give clear instructions to patients regarding where to come, what to expect when they arrive, and how things differ from their usual visits
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ensure appropriate PPE is in place ready to be used (all staff to be retrained as above)
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have one physiotherapist using one room per shift
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limit points of entry to the clinic – preferably patients can enter one door and leave from another
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all unnecessary items should be removed from the waiting room and surfaces kept clear and clean, including excessive furniture, waste bins, water coolers etc.
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areas of known contamination should be cleaned and disinfected
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make it clear at the entrances that no walk-in appointments off the street are available.
4.During visit
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patient and if required support person and bubble whānau again screened for any COVID-19 signs or symptoms prior to entering the clinic or place of residence
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if visiting a patient at place of residence scan in using the QR code or record your visit details within your management system
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require patient, and others, to scan QR code and hand sanitise on arrival and sanitise on departure from the clinic
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physiotherapists fill out any paperwork and forms for the patient (sign with cleaned pen) – if possible, use contactless methods
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if possible, allow only the patient to be present for the consultation
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confirm contact details for the patient and each person accompanying the patient and inform them that these details may be used for contact tracing, if required
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maintain physical distancing where possible, for instance, during the subjective examination
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follow PPE protocol as advised by the Ministry of Health
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minimise close contact time
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follow all hand and hygiene practices
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keep doors and windows open, ventilation systems on (to the clinic, treatment doors if possible)
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close the clinic toilet to patients, and advise patients when making the appointment
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minimise the use of equipment such as pillows for instance, which are not easy to clean or replace. Alternatively use single use coverings for the pillows and plinths such as towels or paper towels.
5.Post Visit
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clean all equipment, pillows and plinths after each patient contact
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clean keyboard, mouse and computer screens after each patient contact
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carry out correct steps for safe removal and disposal of PPE
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follow cleaning protocol – wiping down all hard surfaces with detergent and hot water and then use a disinfectant
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appropriate PPE should be worn for cleaning the room
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PPE and waste should be disposed in a closed clinical waste bin and in accordance with clinical waste requirements
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Ventilate room.
6.End of shift
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The Physiotherapist showers at home, cleans the shower before contacting anyone in their home bubble whānau and hot washes their clothes and towels etc.
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physiotherapist leaves clinic through different doors if possible (the clean side of clinic)
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ensure door handles, keys and high touch surfaces are cleaned before leaving.