Covid-19 Statement 1st December 2021
As many of you will be aware dental practices and healthcare settings in general were asked to maintain many of their COVID19 protocols when most restrictions were eased back in July 2021.
Following a review of COVID19 protocols in healthcare, the government’s revised infection prevention and control guidance and accompanying standard operating procedures were published at the end of November 2021.
The most significant change is the use of screening to place patients on either a non-respiratory or a respiratory pathway. Patients with suspected or confirmed respiratory infection should have treatment deferred if clinically appropriate.
The main points of the revised operating protocol, and what you can expect when attending an appointment, are:-
- Screening prior to your attendance, 24 hours before your appointment via online forms and on entering the building. This is essential to allow us to spot potential respiratory illness, including COVID19.
- Hand sanitising gel upon entering the building.
- We are still trying to reduce patient contact so please use the toilet at home prior to your visit where possible.
- Mandatory use of facemasks in the building until you are in the surgery room. This is to minimise risk of possible infection to other people such as non-clinical staff members and other patients in areas such as corridors and reception. Exceptions will be made if you are medically exempt.
- Reduced patient numbers in the waiting room. This is to minimise the number of people in the building at any one time which in turn helps minimise the risk of transmission between people.
- YOU NO LONGER NEED TO CALL US ON ARRIVAL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT. You may come directly to the practice, but we politely request that this is no more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. Due to reduced capacity in the waiting room, we may not have space for you inside and we might ask you to remain outside. We realise that this is sometimes an inconvenience, but your patience would be greatly appreciated in this effort to minimise the risk of spread of Coronavirus.
We will continue to review our procedures in line with best practice and wish to reassure all our patients that keeping you safe when coming to see us continues to be our main priority. We do understand that the protocols we have in place can seem frustrating at times but ask that you bear with us during what is an ever-evolving situation.
Andy, Shalini and all the team at Bamford Dental Practice