Covid-19 Clinic Update – 30/3/2020

Here at Heath Lodge Clinic we fully understand that the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19 is causing an unprecedented amount of worry and concern to the local community and beyond.

We would like to take the opportunity to reassure all our patients, clinical referrers/ colleagues and insurers that the clinic remains open, accessible, and most of all, committed to helping our patients and the wider healthcare community during this challenging time.

In terms of our working environment our primary role is diagnostic imaging, namely, MRI, DEXA, Ultrasound and pain management. We are working hard during these difficult times to ensure that we continue to provide a high quality, safe service, thus reducing pressures on the NHS.

As with all healthcare providers the coronavirus has presented us with some unique challenges and we would like to share with you some of the measures we have put in place to safeguard both our staff and patients whilst continuing our diagnostic services:

(1) We are closely following the Government guidelines and information provided by other sources such as Public Health England and the Quality Care Commission.

(2) Please note that we are an accredited and recognised provider of diagnostic services. As a self- contained diagnostic clinic we do not have the high- volume throughput of patients (and those who accompany them), as they do in an acute hospital setting. Our waiting areas are now unavailable in order to comply with social distancing. Patients are waiting in their own car as opposed to the clinic, and our reception team are calling the patient into their appointment to minimise the amount of time spent in clinic. We are also no longer offering tea/coffee to reduce hand to surface contact.

(3) All staff have their temperature recorded and our non-clinical staff work remotely eg, HR, IT, Marketing and Business Support, to minimise contact points within the clinic.

(4) All patients are screened by phone before arrival to exclude coronavirus symptoms. Please refer to https://111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/ for guidance.

Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time, and should you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01564 732 150 or contact@heathlodgeclinic.co.uk

Please Note: We welcome any enquiries from the wider medical community in the event of being able to offer support to the NHS and others during this challenging time

Best wishes from Heath Lodge Clinic