In light of the Covid-19 pandemic we have introduced some alterations in the way that we provide our range of services to all clients, and we thank you in advance for your patience during this time.
Our continued goal is to ensure that all of our clients are seen in a safe and timely way, but based on the demand that ensued when the first lockdown was relaxed it is possible that delays will be experienced over the coming weeks.
The main reasons for this are:
1. Our appointment slots have been extended and staggered to ensure that:
* There is less crowding in the waiting areas.
* Extra time is taken for facilities, furniture and equipment to be cleaned between every client visit.
* Staff have sufficient time to put on and take off their personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. We are currently seeing a reduced number of clients than pre-pandemic due to the considerations above.
3. NHS providers are still catching up with their caseload which is resulting in an increased demand from clients looking to the private sector for help.
Virtual audiology:
In some cases we can carry out remote consultations (via telephone or video) to minimise the need for you to attend appointments in person. For virtual appointments, please do not attend the clinic in person.
If you are unsure whether your appointment is virtual or face to face, or if you have received a notification via text message which you would like to clarify, then please contact us on 01708 259863 or via email at [email protected]
Face-to-face audiology and audiovestibular appointments:
If you have a pre-arranged face to face appointment we understand that you may have some concerns in attending. Please be assured that we have taken a considerable number of measures that are set out below to keep you and our staff safe.
When you attend the appointment we will maintain safe distancing measures wherever possible. For certain procedures this may not be possible. When this occurs we will adopt other measures to mitigate the risk, such as wearing a mask, apron and gloves.
Our Audiologists will be wearing a face mask and we will need you to wear a face mask as well throughout your appointment. You can use your own face mask or we will be happy to supply you with one on arrival. Alternatively, we can wear a clear face shield for those who rely on lip-reading. Please do not hesitate to request this on arrival, but please note that for some procedures wearing a shield is not possible.
Please do not attend the practice if you have experienced a recent change to your smell or taste, a new continuous cough, a fever or high temperature.
Please do not attend the practice if you have been advised to self isolate or if someone you live with, or who is in your support bubble, has symptoms of Covid-19 or has tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 14 days.
We will check your temperature on arrival and if your temperature is above 37.8°c we will suggest that you follow the prevailing government guidance on testing and isolation and to rebook your visit when safe to do so.
We request that you arrive on time for your appointment. If you arrive after your appointment time, please note that we may not be able to see you and we may therefore need to re-arrange your appointment. Please let us know if you’re running late and we will make every effort to help.
We advise that you attend your appointment on your own. If you need a carer or support, or if the client is a child, please ensure that only one other person attends. We can arrange a telephone or video call with your significant other (such as the other parent) if required. While waiting for your appointment please ensure that young children are kept secured in a buggy or on a lap to avoid them touching surfaces.
We have reduced the number of clients that we now see in the clinic. We have also reduced the number of seating places in the waiting area to ensure that we can implement safe distancing measures. If the waiting area is quite full you may need to wait outside.
We carry out extra cleaning of clinic rooms between appointments.
Toilet facilities are now available again but please note that we cannot guarantee that we have been able to sanitise them between uses.
Refreshments are not yet available in reception, however, do feel free to bring your own with you but we ask that you please refrain from bringing any food onto the premises.
Thank You.