Adhering to guidelines

Throughout the pandemic, I will be following guidelines issued by the government, NHS, other relevant authorities and my professional association, the Federation of Holistic Therapists, regarding safe and hygienic practice and the use of any personal protective equipment (PPE). I have been certified by an FHT accredited course on Infection Control specific to Covid -19 and continue to research and follow the latest government guidelines.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment

I have carried out a full risk assessment, in line with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in order to:

• identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus;
• think about who could be at risk;
• decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed; and to
• act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.

Health screening

Prior to seeing any of my clients, I will be:

• monitoring my own health and deferring treatments if I have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.
• contacting my clients 24 hours in advance and deferring any treatments if: they have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; are clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding; anyone in their household has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; they have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days; they have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace Service and told to self isolate.
• asking my clients to call and cancel and defer treatment on the morning of their appointment if they have a temperature or other symptoms of COVID-19.

Enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures

I have introduced enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures between clients, which includes washing and disinfecting any non-porous surfaces and therapy equipment, such as chairs and couches, and replacing any porous or single-use items such as couch roll. Strict personal hygiene measures will also be adhered to, including regular handwashing/ sanitising. Clients will need to provide their own towels, pillows and blankets to prevent any cross infection.

Adapting or restricting treatments

It may be necessary for me to adapt or restrict certain treatments, in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and/or protect my clients’ health and safety. Any clients likely to be impacted will be advised as soon as possible.

Maintaining social distancing

Please note that while many treatments involve close contact, I will be observing social distancing measures wherever possible. This might include, for example, maintaining an appropriate distance during the consultation process, and when arriving and leaving for an appointment.

Cancellations policy

If a treatment is cancelled or deferred at short notice because my client has COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, any standard cancellation fees will be waivered. The client will be asked to kindly confirm in writing that their appointment has been cancelled or deferred because they have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.

For more information…

I shall be sending emails to clients who book with the new consultation and guidelines. I am happy to be contacted to discuss any aspect of your treatment during this time. Please contact me via telephone or email if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Michele 

Date: 10/07/2020

As your Therapist, I will always :

• Wash my hands or use sanitiser upon arrival
• Follow guidelines on the use of PPE 
• Disinfect non-porous materials (eg. massage couch)
• Replace couch roll and other disposable materials
• Change my apron, tunic if needed 
• Wear durable disposable gloves when cleaning equipment 
• Maintain social distancing before and after treatment 

As my client, I will ask you to (prior to your treatment):

• Answer some questions specifically about COVID-19 
• Contact me and reschedule if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or if anyone in your household is self isolating
• Ventilate the treatment room before I arrive by opening a window
• Ensure other members of your household are in another area of the building during treatment
• Wash your hands or use sanitiser on arrival (also maintain hygiene of feet if having a Reflexology treatment)
• Follow guidelines on the use of PP