My professional association continues to advise that osteopathy appointments can continue during lockdown, as can physiotherapy, podiatry and the other regulated allied health professions. Some of my colleagues are shielding, and those of us working are all operating a much reduced and restricted service.
The latest government message is ‘Act as if you have it’, emphasising the risk of asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19. I have done much soul searching about whether to shut down for a few weeks due to the critical pressure on the NHS and emergency services. I have my own sister and beloved friend working as a frontline nurse and paramedic, and the situation is truly grim. I have no desire to add fuel to this.
As you know I am following the most stringent infection control and screening processes that I can muster. Severity of infection is a lottery, whatever your age or state of fitness, and I will not gamble with either my health or that of my patients. I am deeply conscientious so not to act as an unwitting vector in transmission of the virus.
Local government has now opened rapid testing centres for asymptomatic workers continuing to go out to work in the community and I have 2 tests booked this week. Additionally, at the Chislehurst Clinic they are privately purchasing the same testing kits for all the practitioners, so I can be tested there. Obviously I am very aware that the accuracy of these tests is not 100%, but I feel that as it Is available and I can be tested I will, whilst being vigilant as to possible false results.
The results of these tests are made available within a couple of hours of testing, so please check your messages immediately before you leave for an appointment and ensure I have your mobile number if possible to ease communications, in case I find I have to stay at home at short notice.
Demand for treatments is immense at the moment, my ‘phone pings constantly as NHS help is so scarce. Many of you are suffering pain, and I do not wish to curtail your treatment or slow your progress down; others are recovering and have invested significant time, hard-earned money and effort into maintaining their health. But if you have any concerns about coming in for treatment, and would like to postpone your appointment I will not be offended, in fact I feel this most sensible. So please do not hesitate to cancel if you are at all worried.
I would like to reiterate please, please, please, be truthful and do not make an appointment if you are meant to be isolating or quarantining, or have had to mix in breach of lockdown rules; this is not meant to be judgmental, sometimes it is inadvertent or due to unavoidable reasons or genuine emergencies. I do appreciate people are in pain, but I can’t take any risks with 45-60 minute close contact appointments indoors, however much sanitiser and PPE we use, and ask that if this has happened that you postpone your appointment.
I will keep everyone posted and if I feel at all concerned that I cannot continue to provide treatments I will let you know. Thankyou everyone. HW