CONTACT US For all appointments and enquires, please get in touch via the booking form or by phone. Phone 07788656560 Mail Please use the booking form or email: info@samchappleosteopathy.co.uk OPENING HOURS 08:00 - 21:00 08:00 - 13:00 08:00 - 12:00 08:00 - 20:00 CLOSED Appointments by Request CLOSED MON TUES WEDS THURS FRI SAT SUN FIND US Location Sam Chapple Osteopathy 80 Trowley Rise Abbots Langley Watford Hertfordshire WD5 0LW OPEN IN MAPS PARKING: Free residential parking available. ​ PLEASE NOTE: All appointments must be pre-booked, we do not operate a walk in service. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Required service Have you visited before? SUBMIT Thanks for your message - we aim to respond within 48 hours or less. Please remember to check your junk inbox. FOLLOW US Follow for helpful tips and advice.

The Clinic is Open ​ Following the announcement of the latest National Lockdown in January, I can confirm that the clinic can continue to remain open and provide appointments as per usual. ​ Osteopaths are classed as Primary Healthcare Providers and as such are exempt from restrictions (as is travelling to and from an Osteopathic Appointment), following the necessary guidance of course. ​ Therefore, all existing appointments will continue as normal and new appointments remain open for booking. The strict infection control measures and cleaning protocols implemented in June 2020, upon the reopening of the Clinic, will remain in place and will be followed without exception to continue to minimise risk. ​ If you have any questions about an existing appointment you have booked, or to make an appointment please get in touch. Most importantly though, please stay safe, stay healthy and I will be here to help you along the way when needed. Best Wishes, ​ Sam

​ Sam Chapple Osteopathy Response to COVID-19 – New Clinic Policy ​ In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, new clinic policy has been created and will be implemented for all appointments at Sam Chapple Osteopathy until Government advice dictates otherwise. The policy has been formed using the guidance provided by Government and Public Health England (PHE) channels, as well as more specifically via Osteopathic Governing Bodies and Unions. The policy also follows guidance outlined in the Osteopathic Practice Standards, which have been updated to include measures specific to COVID-19. Due to the close proximity of face-to-face appointments at Sam Chapple Osteopathy, the 2-metre social distancing advice cannot be adhered to – this does mean that there is an increased risk to everyone involved. However, the development and implementation of this new policy ensures that this risk is minimal and that the health and safety of patients remains at the core of clinic policy. Below is the Full Detailed Policy, outlining all 5 stages of development and implementation. For the ‘Key Points’ version of the policy, please click here . Full Detailed Policy ​ Section 1 – Clinic Risk Assessment ​ A full risk assessment of the clinic has been carried out, identifying measures that would be taken to adapt the clinic to function properly and safely during the current COVID-19 situation. This risk assessment will be reviewed as the advice provided by the Government changes. ​ Heightened Cleaning Measures The clinic room will be fully disinfected between each patient. Communal areas that a patient comes into contact with will be fully disinfected between each patient. ​ Increased Protection Measures All linen has been removed from the clinic room. Cashless payments – all payments are to be made via card or payment links (sent directly to the patient by the practitioner). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been sourced and will be used extensively throughout all appointment. ​ Distancing Measures Furniture within the clinic room has been rearranged to ensure adequate distance between the practitioner and patient during the case history portion of appointments. This aims to limit the time in which practitioner and patient are within 2 metres of one another. Appointment times will be staggered in order to prevent any overlap or crossover between patients, and to ensure adequate cleaning time between each appointment. Patients are asked to arrive for their appointments at the scheduled time. If a patient arrives early, they are asked to wait in their car outside until the scheduled time. ​ Contactless Appointments Available For those who do not feel comfortable, or are unable to attend an appointment, virtual appointments will continue to be available (via telephone or video calls). ​ Section 2 – Protection Before and During Appointments ​ It is of vital importance that the health and safety of both Practitioner and Patient is ensured throughout all appointments. Therefore, the following measures will be taken: ​ Pre-Appointment Screening All patients will be contacted the day before their scheduled appointment and asked to complete a screening questionnaire. This is to assess for infection risk and eligibility for an appointment. This is compulsory and failure to complete the questionnaire will result in the appointment being cancelled. Any negative answers to the questions will result in the appointment being unable to go ahead. In this instance the patient will be contact and further advice will be given as appropriate. Upon arrival: All patients will have their temperature taken (via a contactless thermometer gun) and final screening questions will be asked. If temperature is found to be equal or above the figure considered to be ‘fever’ (37.8°C) or final screening questions are answered negatively, the appointment will not go ahead. If final checks are passed, patients will be asked to wash their hands. Practitioners will be subject to these same checks Any patient considered to be on the 'Shielded Patient List ' (as per Government/NHS instruction) will be unable to book and attend appointments. This is subject to change if/when Government advice changes.​ ​ Protection for Staff It has been confirmed that the Practitioner, or anyone that they are in direct contact with, is not part of the ‘vulnerable’ group. PPE will be worn throughout all appointments – full details in Section 4. Patients will be required to wear an adequate face mask for all appointments – this is compulsory, for any patient who requires a mask, these can be purchased from the clinic. Protocol for Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in the Clinic Setting In the event of a confirmed case, all relevant personnel will be contacted and advised appropriately as soon as possible. Individuals with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are most contagious from the first day that they develop symptoms, however it is advised that there is also a small infection risk during the 2 days prior to symptoms first developing. Anybody who attends an appointment at the clinic and subsequently develops symptoms associated with COVID-19 are asked to advise the clinic of this as soon as possible. In this instance, they will be advised to follow self-isolation protocol and request a test as per Government advice. Confirmed Case of COVID in a Patient (symptoms developed within 2 days of attending the clinic Patient to advise the clinic as soon as symptoms develop and then further advise once they have the result from their test. Those is DIRECT contact with the patient (Practitioner): Due to the extensive and adequate use of PPE, guidance states that there is no need to self-isolate in this instance. Practitioner will continue as normal but will monitor for symptoms as per guidance. If symptoms develop subsequently, practitioner will follow isolation protocol and request a test. If test result in this instance is positive, practitioner will advise relevant personnel and follow Governments ‘Return to Work ’ advice. Those in INDRECT contact with the patient (others in the clinic at same time): Guidance states that there is no need for these individuals to self-isolate. Those in this group will be advised of the situation by the practitioner and guidance/advice will be confirmed to them – continue as normal but monitor for any symptoms. If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to follow isolation protocol and request a test. For patients who attend an appointment within the 2-day period, the following advice applies: Due to extensive and adequate use of PPE by the Practitioner, the infection risk is very low. Although there is no obligation to do so, the Practitioner will contact all patients who attend the clinic within the 2-day period to advise them of the situation as a courtesy. The guidance states that in this instance there is no need to self-isolate. Individuals should continue as normal and monitor for symptoms. In the event that they develop symptoms, the advice remains the same – follow self-isolation protocol and request a test. Upon Arrival for Appointments Patients are asked to arrive for their appointment at the scheduled time. If a patient arrives early, they are asked to wait in their car outside until their scheduled time. Patients will have their temperature taken (via a contactless thermometer gun) and will be required to confirm that they are not suffering from any associated COVID-19 symptoms (final screening questions). Patients will be asked to wash/sanitise their hands before entering the clinic room. If a patient would like a towel for modesty they are asked to bring their own from home. The towel needs to be newly washed. The towel needs to be transported in a clean plastic bag. The towel needs to be washed immediately after an appointment, keeping it away from other household laundry. Chaperones for Appointments If a patient requires or would like a chaperone, they are welcome to bring one. For patients under 16 years old, it is law that they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for all appointments. It is also clinic policy that anyone who would like a chaperone to accompany them to appointments are welcome to have one. Chaperones must be limited to ONE person only. Chaperones will be subject to the same pre-appointment screening as all patients, with the same outcomes. Any negative responses to screening will result in them being unable to accompany the patient and may also impact the patient’s eligibility for an appointment. Patients are asked to declare at the point of booking with they require/would like a chaperone to attend the appointment with them. ​ Section 3 – Increased Hygiene Measures ​ Existing hygiene and cleaning measures have been assessed and specific measures added in order to enhance existing infection control in response to COVID-19. ​ Increased Sanitisation and Cleaning Clinic room will be fully disinfected at the start of each day and between each patient. Treatment couch, Desk, Chairs, Flooring, Door Handles, Hard Surfaces all to be cleaned. Hallway/Communal Areas to be fully disinfected between each appointment. Flooring, Door Handles, Hard Surfaces to all be cleaned. Toilet will be fully disinfected after each use by a patient. Hospital strength sanitisers to be used (>60% alcohol) and bleach-based detergent to be used to clean flooring. All linen has been removed and the clinic room has been decluttered, minimising potential transmission risk and reducing surfaces that required disinfection. Aeration of Clinic Room Windows will remain open throughout all appointments (blinds will remain closed for privacy as per usual). After each appointment, the clinic door will remain closed with windows fully open for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow for adequate aeration of the room before disinfection. No fans or other air-circulating mechanisms will be used within the clinic room. Hand Hygiene Measures The practitioner will be bare below the elbow (short sleeves or rolled up sleeves). Full hand washing will be undertaken before and after each patient (including the forearms) for a minimum of 20 seconds. The practitioner will use gloves for the duration of all appointments. Hand sanitisers will be available for use throughout all appointments. Respiratory and Cough Hygiene We are fully aware that not every cough is related to COVID – especially during the current hayfeaver season! The clinic will continue to follow the ‘Catch It, Kill It, Bin It’ protocol as per usual. Single use tissues and a contactless bin will be available for proper disposal. Hand hygiene facilities will be available. ​ Section 4 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ​ As per the guidance received, adequate PPE has been sourced and will be worn throughout all appointments in the interests of health and safety. The following measures relating to PPE will be taken: ​ PPE Used During Appointments The Practitioner will wear the following PPE during all appointments: Single use gloves Single use apron Fluid-resistant surgical mask Eye protection (visor or goggles) will be used at the discretion of the practitioner depending on the perceived risk of transmission (for example, if the patient has symptomatic hayfeaver) Replacement of PPE PPE will be replaced as per the guidance provided by Public Health England (PHE). Gloves and Apron will be changed after each patient. Masks and/or Visors will be replaced at the end of each clinic session (every 4 hours) OR if they have become contaminated, damaged, damp or difficult to breathe through. Patients and PPE Patients are asked to wear an adequate face mask for the duration of all appointments – this is compulsory and failure to do so will result in appointments not going ahead. Adequate face masks will be available to purchase from the clinic is required. Disposal of PPE All items of PPE and cleaning products will be disposed of appropriately, as per PHE guidance, following the below process: Items will be double-plastic bagged and left for 72 hours. Bagged items will be kept away from any other household waste. After 72 hours, bags will be disposed of via normal waste disposal process (local authority collection). ​ Section 5 – Communication with Patients New clinic policy will be communicated to all patients (existing and new) via normal channels – website, social media, email. Website & Social Media Both versions of the policy will be available at all times via the website – links to both will be clearly displayed on all pages of the website. Social media posts promoting the new policy will be posted. Email Existing patients will receive the new policy via a newsletter email, as with all clinic communications, and will be encouraged to read thoroughly. Any new patients will be sent a copy of the policy or directed to the relevant page on the website at the point of booking and encouraged to read thoroughly. Copy for Patients All patients can request a copy of both versions of the new policy by contacting the clinic via normal avenues. Pre-Appointment Contact All patients will be contacted the day before their booked appointment in order to complete the screening questionnaire. Subject to the results of the questionnaire, patients will also be contacted to confirm their appointment. Communication pre-appointment may be made via telephone call, text message or email. Posters and Notices Relevant and informative posters and notices will be visible within the clinic room. ​ For any questions, concerns or feedback relating to the implementation of this new policy, or for any general enquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch via normal avenues. ​ I look forward to seeing you all soon for appointments. ​ ​

WHAT IS Osteopathy? "...a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together." The definition of Osteopathy - The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) Osteopathy is a holistic manual practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Following the principles of Osteopathy, we view the body as a full unit. We study the relationship between structure, movement and function throughout the body to determine the root cause of presented symptoms. Using a combination of manual techniques in conjunction with one another such as joint manipulation and mobilisation, soft tissue massage and stretching we are able to effectively treat a range of conditions, alleviate pain and discomfort and significantly reduce recurrence. WHAT DOES AN OSTEOPATH TREAT? Osteopathy is recommended by multiple official healthcare organisations (including NICE, NHS, Institute of Osteopathy), to effectively treat: Lower back pain Neck & shoulder pain Knees, hips, ankles & feet issues Arthritis Sciatica Sports injuries Restricted range of motion/mobility Muscle strains and tendon pains Postural issues and balance Migraines & headaches ​ We will assess each patient to reach diagnosis, with hands-on techniques. We may recommend a combination of our treatments and effective follow up excercises to efficiently treat pain and injuries, and reduce chances of the issue returning. OSTEOPATHY APPOINTMENTS EXPLORE MORE TREATMENTS SPORTS INJURY FIND OUT MORE MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE FIND OUT MORE

PRICING OSTEOPATHY INITIAL CONSULTATION FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS £55.00 £50.00 BOOK SPORTS MASSAGE 30 MINS 45 MINS 60 MINS £40.00 £55.00 BOOK £60.00 MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE 30 MINS £50.00 BOOK Sam Chapple Osteopathy accept all major cards for payment. Please be aware that cancellations with less than 24hrs notice will incur a late cancellation charge. OSTEOPATHY FIND OUT MORE SPORTS INJURY FIND OUT MORE MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE FIND OUT MORE

PRIVACY POLICY (Why we collect your personal data and what we do with it) ​ When you supply your personal data to Sam Chapple Osteopathy it is stored and processed for 4 reasons, all in compliance with Data Protection Law and The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): ​ We need to collect personal information about your health in order to provide you with the best possible treatment. Your requesting treatment and our agreement to provide that care constitutes a contract . You can, of course, refuse to provide the information, but if you were to do so we would not be able to provide treatment. ​ We have a 'Legitimate Interest ' in collecting that information, because without it we couldn't do our job effectively and safely. ​ We also think that it is important that we can contact you in order to confirm your appointments with us or to update you on matters related to your medical care. This again constitutes 'Legitimate Interest ', but this time is is your legitimate interest as a patient. ​ Provided we have your consent , we may occasionally send you general health information in the form of advice, articles or newsletters. You may withdraw this consent at any time - just let us know by any convenient method. ​ We have a legal obligation to retain your records for 8 years after your most recent appointment, but after this period you can ask for your records to be deleted if you wish. Otherwise, we will retain your records indefinitely in order that we can provide you with the best possible care should you require treatment at a future date. ​ Your records are stored on paper, in locked filing cabinets, and the offices are always locked outside of working hours. ​ We will never share your data with anyone who does not need access without your written consent. Only the following people/agencies will have routine access to your data: ​ Your practitioner in order that they can provide you with treatment and keep your records up to date. We also use MailChimp to coordinate our messages, so your name and email address may be saved on their server. ​ You have the right to see what personal data of yours we hold, and you can also ask us to correct any factual errors. Provided the legal minimum period has elapsed, you can also ask us to erase your records. ​ We want you to be absolutely confident that we are treatment your personal data responsibly, and tat we are doing everything we can to make sure that the only people who can access that data have a genuine need to do so. Of course, if you feel that we are mishandling your personal data in some way, you have the right to complain. Complaints need to be sent to the Data Controller , the details of which are below: Sam Chapple info@samchappleosteopathy.co.uk 07788656560 80 Trowley Rise, Abbots Langley, Herts, WD5 0LW

SPORTS MASSAGE WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE? Sports massage is a form of deep tissue massage specifically to aid individuals who are physically active, whether as a professional athlete, a recreational sports player, or someone who exercises regularly. The main focus of Sports Massage is to rehabilitate the body by relieving tension and strains in groups of muscles. The practice aims to help prevent injuries and improve performance by optimising the recovery process after physical activity. Sports Massage is used effectively alongside Osteopathy and is often advised in order to maximise the speed and efficiency of recovery. ​ ​ WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? Sports massage typically involves the use of a variety of techniques, including: ​ Deep tissue massage: to target deeper layers of muscle tissue to release tension, improve range of motion and increase blood flow. Trigger point therapy: to release tight knots of muscle tissue that can cause pain and discomfort. Myofascial release: to release tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Stretching: to increase flexibility, reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery ​ WHAT DOES IT TREAT? Sports Massage has been proven an effective recovery and rehabilitation treatment for: Individuals with desk based occupations suffering from muscle tension or re Professional athletes training for, or recovering from an event (eg, marathons, triathalons, swimming competitions etc) Recreational sportspeople wanting to build/maintain optimal performance Individuals suffering from muscle strains, pulls or restricted movement ​ SPORTS MASSAGE APPOINTMENT Depending on your injury/condition and preference, you can book a Sports Massage for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Please attend appointments wearing appropriate and comfortable clothing. Towels will be provided at every appointment for your comfort. ​ OSTEOPATHY FIND OUT MORE MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE FIND OUT MORE APPOINTMENTS

MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? Medical Acupuncture, or Dry Needling, is an adaption of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and involves the use of fine needles which are inserted into certain points of the skin and muscle, known as acupoints. The practice uses modern knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to stimulate the nerves in the skin and muscle to increase the release of the body's natural painkillers (Endorphins and Serotonin), to effectively reduce levels of muscle tension and alleviate pain. WHAT DOES IT TREAT? Medical Acupuncture has been shown to effectively treat various aches and pains, including: Lower Back, shoulder and neck pain Headaches Knee Osteoarthritis Muscle function and movement ​ ACUPUNTURE APPOINTMENTS If deemed safe and necessary to do so and agreed with the patient, Medical Acupuncture will be used within Osteopathy and Sports Massage appointments. Appointments specifically for Medical Acupuncture can be made, for 30 minutes. The appointment will include assessment of joint movement and muscle health before treatment commences. You may be asked to remove restricting clothing to allow us to treat you - please wear appropriate items of clothing such as shots, vest, sports bras etc. Towels will be provided at every appointment for your comfort. ​ It's important to note that while acupuncture may have benefits, it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. It should be used in conjunction with other treatments and therapies, as appropriate. APPOINTMENTS OSTEOPATHY FIND OUT MORE SPORTS INJURY FIND OUT MORE

SAM CHAPPLE M.Ost ​ With a passion for Osteopathy stemming from his own experiences of treatment for injuries sustained in sport, Sam was inspired to pursue a career in this field. Studying Osteopathy for 4 years at Oxford Brookes University, Sam graduated with a Masters degree in July 2015. Soon after he established his own clinic, and has since expanded his expertise by obtaining additional qualifications in Sports Massage Therapy and Medical Acupuncture, as well as training in techniques such as Sports Injury Taping, Kinesiology Taping, and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM). This allows him to offer a comprehensive range of services to patients of all ages and backgrounds, from professional athletes to those with desk-based jobs, for the treatment and rehabilitation of a wide range of conditions. ​ Sam is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (Reg No: 9329) and is a member of the Institute of Osteopathy, who he is also insured by. SPORTS INJURY FIND OUT MORE OSTEOPATHY FIND OUT MORE MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE FIND OUT MORE

SPECIALISTS IN MOVEMENT and FUNCTION EXPLORE OUR SERVICES SPORTS INJURY Find out more OSTEOPATHY Find out more MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE Find out more BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Required service Have you visited before? SUBMIT Thanks for your message - we aim to respond within 48 hours or less. Please remember to check your junk inbox. CLIENT REVIEWS "I started seeing Sam last year for my shoulder issues and have been very happy with the service and treatment received. Sam is professional and very good at what he does." - Via Google "I had severe back pain, which at its worst, meant I couldn't even walk normally. My back is pain free, and my mobility is back. Very impressed, he knows his stuff and doesn't charge ridiculous amounts for his expertise. I thoroughly recommend." "Sam treated me with acupuncture and sports massage for an ongoing issue which was resolved after a couple of treatments. Very professional and highly recommended." - Via Google - Via Google

SAM CHAPPLE OSTEOPATHY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 - NEW CLINIC POLICY ​ New clinic policy has been developed in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This new policy will allow the clinic to function safety during this ongoing situation. The policy has been developed based on guidance from Government documentation, Public Health England and, more specifically, the Osteopathic world. The policy will apply for all appointments, with no exceptions. If, for whatever reason, the policy cannot be followed fully, appointments will not continue. ​ Due to the close proximity of face-to-face appointments at Sam Chapple Osteopathy, the 2-metre social distancing advice cannot be adhered to – this does mean that there is an increased risk to everyone involved. However, the development and implementation of this new policy ensures that this risk is minimal and that the health and safety of patients remains at the core of clinic policy. ​ For the full detailed version of this policy, please click here . ​ KEY POINTS CHANGES IN THE CLINIC ROOM The clinic room has been rearranged to increase the distance between the Practitioner and Patient during the case history portion of appointments. All linen has been removed from the clinic. This includes treatment couch covers, pillowcases and towels (wipeable pillows have replaced regular pillows). This is designed to reduce infection and transmission risk. Complete disinfection of the clinic room between each appointment. BEFORE APPOINTMENTS Patients will be required to complete a pre-appointment screening questionnaire before all appointments. Patients will be contacted the day before their scheduled appointment and asked to complete the pre-appointment screening questionnaire. The questionnaire screens each patient for infection risk and eligibility for their scheduled appointment. If any of the questions are answered negatively, unfortunately the appointment will be unable to proceed. In this instance, the patient will be contact and given further advice. Patients are asked to attend their appointments alone and AT the scheduled time. If a patient arrives early, they are asked to wait in their car outside until the scheduled appointment time. This is to prevent any crossover between patients and also to ensure adequate cleaning time between each appointment. If a patient requires or would like a chaperone the following applies: Patients are asked to only bring ONE chaperone with them in an instance where they require or would like one to accompany them to appointments. Under-16s are required by law to have a parent or guardian attend all appointments with them. It is clinic policy that any patient who would like a chaperone to accompany them for appointments is welcome to have one. It must be declared at the time of booking that a chaperone is required/wanted. All chaperones will go through the same pre-appointment screening as patients, with the same outcomes. If patients would like the use a towel for modesty reasons, they are asked to bring their own to appointments. All linen has been removed from the clinic room and so no towels will be available for use. Patients are asked that any towel that they bring is newly washed and brought to appointments in a plastic carrier bag. It is then taken home and immediately washed, away from any other regular household laundry. Patients are asked to limit bringing ‘unnecessary’ items to appointments. For example, leave loose jumpers or coats in the car rather than bring them into the appointment. DURING APPOINTMENTS Arrival for appointments: Patients will have their temperature checked (via a contactless thermometer gun), final screening questions will be asked, and patients will be asked to wash/sanitiser their hands. If their temperature if found to be above the range considered to be ‘fever’ (equal or above 37.8°C) then the appointment will not go ahead and the patient will be advised further in regards to isolating and testing. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE will be used throughout all appointments, in line with current guidance, to minimise the risk of infection for both practitioner and patients. Patients are asked to wear a face mask for the duration of all appointments. PPE will be correctly changed and disposed of between appointments. Hand sanitiser (of hospital strengthen) will be available for use throughout all appointments. Windows will remain open throughout all appointments, blinds to remain closed for privacy as per usual. This is to aid aeration of the clinic room. Treatment techniques may differ from past experiences. Guidance has been provided to reduce infection/transmission risk between practitioner and patient. As a result, certain treatment techniques have been advised against and so alternatives will be used to achieve the same outcomes. Rest assured, all treatment performed has been included in the extensive training undertaken and will not be performed without full consent from the patient and any relevant safety checks performed (as per usual). AFTER APPOINTMENTS Patients are asked to follow any advice/exercises prescribed during appointments as per usual. Patients are asked to inform me if they develop any symptoms associated with COVID-19 as soon as possible. Patients will be advised to request a test (as per Government instruction), and in the event of a positive result the clinic will follow their ‘Confirmed COVID Case’ protocol (detailed in the next section). Patients can book follow-up appointments as per usual but will be asked to complete the same pre-appointment screening before each appointment. CONFIRMED COVID CASE PROTOCOL The guidance states that the infectious period for an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is 2 days prior to developing first symptoms. The infection risk is thought to be low in this 2-day period. An individual is most infectious once they have developed symptoms. Patients are asked to advise the clinic if they develop symptoms associated with COVID-19 within 2 days of attending an appointment. If subsequent testing confirms a positive result the following guidance applies: Those is direct contact (Practitioner): No need to self-isolate as long as adequate PPE is worn – it is clinic policy that adequate PPE (as per guidance) will be worn at ALL times during appointments. In this instance the Practitioner is advised to continue as normal but to monitor for any symptoms associated with COVID. IF symptoms do develop the Practitioner will follow self-isolation protocol outline by the Government and will request a test. If result is negative, Practitioner will continue to work as normal. If result is positive, Practitioner will isolate and follow the Government’s return to work advice (flowchart) – link! Those in indirect contact (anyone in the clinic at the same time): Will be advised of the situation but there is no need to self-isolate. Guidance states that individuals should continue as normal but to monitor for symptoms and if any develop subsequently, to follow isolation protocol and request testing. For any patients who attend an appointment at the clinic during the 2-day period detailed above, the following advice applies: As per clinic policy, the practitioner will always be wearing adequate PPE therefore minimising the risk of infection for themselves and patient alike. Guidance states that there is no need for anyone to self-isolate in this scenario. Out of courtesy, all patients who attend an appointment during the 2-day period will be contacted and advised of the situation by the clinic. Advice will be given, as per the guidance – individuals will be advised to continue as normal but to monitor for any symptoms and if any develop to follow isolation and testing protocol. FINAL REMARKS The full detailed version of this new clinic policy is available by clicking here . Some final points are detailed below: Any individual who falls into the ‘vulnerable’ group (as per Government/NHS instruction ) and is currently shielding, will not be able to book or attend appointments. This is subject to change as guidance changes. This new policy will be followed as strictly as humanly possible. Failure to do so, for whatever reason, will result in appointments not going ahead. I (as the Practitioner) will be subject to the same checks as all patients, with the same outcomes. The new policy will be under constant review as guidance changes, any updates will be communicated appropriately. This new policy will take some time to implement effectively, and so I ask for everybody’s patience as we all familiarise ourselves with this ‘new normal’. Rest assured however, the policy is designed with the interests of everybody’s health at its core, minimising risk of infection, and ensuring that everyone feels safe attending appointments. ​ Any questions, concerns or feedback in relation to the implementation of this policy, or for any general enquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch via normal avenues. ​ I look forward to seeing you all soon for your appointment. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​