Corona Virus Update 17/03/2020

17-03-2020

We are open as usual this week!

Coronavirus Information Update 17/03/2020

The health of our patients is very important to us and we are working hard to ensure we follow all UK advice and guidance given to us regarding Covid-19 and prevention of infection and spread. This is why we have always maintained high standards of cleanliness in our practice and follow all the relevant policies and procedures at all times.

However, I’m sure you will all appreciate that as a dental practice, we work in an environment where the prevention of the spread of a whole range of infections is woven into everything that we do. Nevertheless, we are paying particular attention to the latest Government guidance on the transmission of Coronavirus.

Due to the growing concerns surrounding the virus, we are exceeding our already vigilant practices to keep you safe.

Information is currently changing on a daily basis and we will keep you informed. Our team are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

We have already been checking all patients for symptoms upon arrival. Although the virus is now in the UK, we still ask for anyone who has recently come from the most infected areas, such as Italy, Spain and France, to please reschedule their appointments at this time.

Changes made this week:

• Patients are required to use hand sanitiser upon entry and exit of the practice. Dawn is keeping an eye out to make sure everyone adheres to this!
• Please forgive us if we don’t shake hands, but we are however happy to do an elbow bump. Just ask.
• If you are attending for treatment, we are giving patients a chlorhexadine mouthwash to eliminate as many bacteria in the mouth as possible. This is usually the case when we place implants, but for now, we have extended it to all aerosol creating treatments.
• The seating arrangements in the waiting room have been altered slightly to keep everyone at a bit of a distance. However, if you would feel more comfortable waiting in your car, then please give us a call from your car upon arrival, and we can come and get you once your appointment time arrives.
• We have also removed non-essential material from the waiting room, so please feel free to bring a book with you if you need a distraction whilst waiting.
• We kindly ask anybody who has acute respiratory distress or influenza like illness should rearrange their appointment regardless to whether they have travelled outside the UK or not.
• The Governments current advice is that anyone over 70 years old should stay away from public areas and places with many people. With this in mind, if you are over 70 and have an appointment, we will most likely be in touch in the next few days to rearrange it. However, if you have a problem or are in pain, then please let us know and we will endeavour to get you an appointment during a quieter part of the day.
• We also ask that you do not bring anyone with you to an appointment, if they themselves are not being seen. This excludes carers.

These measures are to help minimise the risk of exposure to groups of the public to which contracting the virus poses a higher risk of serious illness. As a team, we are doing everything we can to remain fit, well and able to work, so that we can continue to provide our usual high standard of dental care to you.

If you are not at risk and are well, then it is business as usual and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice this week.

Thank you for your patience and co-operation at this time.

The team at Halesowen Dental.