Requirements for an in-person appointment:
– Screening for symptoms
– Physical distancing
– Infection prevention
Booking an appointment:
This can be done in the usual way – phone 04 891 0595, or click here to email via our contact page
When you book an appointment, you will be asked if you have symptoms.
These include:
– A new or worsening cough
– A high temperature (at least 38 deg)
– Shortness of breath
– Sore throat
– Sneezing and runny nose
– Temporary loss of sense of smell
If you develop symptoms after you have booked, we ask that you cancel the appointment and seek medical advice. We will discuss when you may be able to come in.
We also ask people:
– if they have been in contact with anyone known to have had the COVID-19 virus, or who has had sypmtoms of it
– if they (or somebody they have been in close contact with) have been tested for COVID-19
Vulnerable patients:
People who are at high risk of complications if they become infected with COVID-19 include those whose immune systems are compromised, and anyone over 70. We will therefore be screening for these, and offering the option of an online consultation.
There is no evidence to date showing increased risk to pregnant women or their unborn baby if they become infected with COVID-19. We are however asking if women are pregnant, and if they are, we may offer an online appointment.
Online consultations:
These are still available for anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, those who are more at risk, or anyone else who is unable to attend an in-person appointment, or chooses not to.
On arrival for your appointment:
There are signs up, reminding people of:
– Physical distancing
– No contact physical greetings
– Hand hygiene
– No walk-ins (call reception from outside if you do not have an appointment booked)
– Obvious areas for patient to sanitise hands
We will re-screen for symptoms before you can come into the clinic. Please wait on a chair just inside the door.
You will be asked to use the hand sanitiser. If you leave the clinic to use the bathroom during your appointment, you will be asked to use the hand sanitiser again on your return.
We ask that you maintain a physical distance of 2m from others. We have plenty of room and have spaced out chairs in the reception area, so the 2m distance has been easy to do.
Support people:
We prefer that if possible you come to your appointment alone at the moment, however we understand that there are times when people choose to have a support person with them, or need to bring a baby. We will need to ask them the screening questions too. (We cannot have infants or young children).
The same protocols for physical distancing, contact log, cleaning will apply for support people or baby.
Contact Log:
When you arrive for your booked appointment, your name will automatically be on our contact log, however if you bring a baby or support person with you, we will need to get their details.
Use of PPE:
We already use gloves, and will continue to do so.
We are not required by the Ministry of Health to wear a mask unless treating vulnerable patients. We do have masks available for use when required. Please say if you would prefer your physio to wear a mask. You are welcome to bring your own if you would like to wear one, or you can use one of ours.
During your appointment:
– Your physiotherapist will endeavour to maintain a physical distance of at least 1 m
– We wear gloves for any contact – not just internal examinations
– All sheets used on the treatment beds are put in the laundry after every patient
– All surfaces including bed, chairs, desk, door handles, are cleaned after every patient
– We will be using plastic covered pillows, so that they can also be wiped after every patient
General surfaces in studio:
All unnecessary equipment has been removed, and there are no longer any magazines or brochures in reception. We have taken away the water cooler – you are welcome to bring your own water bottle if you wish.
All surfaces are cleaned regularly throughout the day.
Hand hygiene:
All staff are following strict guidelines around hand hygiene.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.