Covid-19 and Patient Safety
We have made some changes to our practice so that you can safely and confidently benefit from our services.
When you arrive you will be shown to an area where you can wash your hands and the new hygiene and safety procedures will be explained to you. There are social distancing measures in the communal areas. Your acupuncturist may be wearing some form of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and you may be asked to wear a protective mask. Even if you have not been asked to wear a mask, please bring your own.
Visitors are asked to please:
- arrive at your appointment on time (not early or late)
- follow all advice displayed
- leave accessory items (bags and coats) in the car, or travel with as little as possible
- not to bring friends or family for your appointment unless a chaperone, parent or carer is required
- try to pay by contactless card or online (if available); we are encouraging cashless payments
If you, or anyone in your household are experiencing any of the following symptoms, we politely ask that you do not attend your appointment:
- high temperature
- new continuous cough
- loss of smell or taste
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Covid-19 Consent Form
Additional information about having acupuncture: Covid-19 security
Before your appointment
Your practitioner will need to check whether it is safe to treat you at the moment. They will ask you a few questions by telephone, email or video call, including:
- do you have symptoms of Covid-19 infection
- are you considered ‘clinically vulnerable’ or ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ and so at greater risk
If your practitioner decides it is not safe for you to come to the clinic they will explain why. As an alternative, they may offer to treat you by telephone or video call.
Before giving any treatment, your practitioner will ask you to read and sign a consent form. You must return your completed form before your appointment can go ahead.
One of the usual diagnostic procedures for acupuncture involves looking at your tongue. Due to the possible risks at this time your practitioner may ask you to take a picture of your tongue and send it to them before you go to the clinic.
Going to the clinic
Special arrangements are now in place to safeguard you when you go for acupuncture.
Please follow whatever directions you are given, including:
- travel light and take very little with you in to the clinic – if possible, leave bags, coats, etc in the car
- go to the clinic alone, unless you need a chaperone, parent or carer
- try to arrive on time – not early or late
- follow any advice displayed at the clinic
- where possible, use contactless payment
During your treatment
Your practitioner will wear some form of personal protective equipment (PPE) when they treat you. They will also explain exactly what you need to do in the treatment room, including:
- where and when to wash your hands
- whether and when to wear a mask, either your own or one provided by the clinic
- any other hygiene and safety procedures
After your appointment
If you develop Covid-19 symptoms or have a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 within 48 hours of having acupuncture, please immediately inform:
- NHS test and trace service
- your acupuncturist
For more information:
British Acupuncture Council
63 Jeddo Road London W12 9HQ
+44 (0)20 8735 0400
info@acupuncture.org.uk
www.acupuncture.org.uk
