This policy outlines some of the key measures I took to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) which inform my ongoing practice since then.
Adhering to guidelines
Throughout the pandemic, I followed guidelines issued by the government, NHS, other relevant authorities and my professional association, the Federation of Holistic Therapists, regarding safe and hygienic practice and the use of any personal protective equipment (PPE).
COVID-19 Risk Assessment
I carried out a full risk assessment, in line with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in order to:
• identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus;
• think about who could be at risk;
• decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed; and to
• act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.
Health screening
Prior to seeing any of my clients, I continue to:
• monitor my own health and deferring treatments if I have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.
• contact my clients 24 hours in advance and deferring any treatments if: they have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; are clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding; anyone in their household has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; they have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days; they have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace Service and told to self isolate.
• ask my clients to call and cancel and defer treatment on the morning of their appointment if they have a temperature or other symptoms of COVID-19 or are at all unwell.
Enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures
I introduced and continue to use enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures between clients, which includes washing and disinfecting any non-porous surfaces and therapy equipment, such as chairs and couches, and replacing any non-porous or single-use items, such as towels. Strict personal hygiene measures will continue to be adhered to, including regular handwashing/ sanitising.
Adapting or restricting treatments
It may be necessary for me to adapt or restrict certain treatments, in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and/or protect my clients’ health and safety. Any clients likely to be impacted will be advised as soon as possible.
Maintaining social distancing
Please note that while many treatments involve close contact, I will be observing social distancing measures wherever possible. This might include, for example, maintaining an appropriate distance during the consultation process, and when arriving and leaving for an appointment.
Cancellations policy
I have not in the past charged clients if a treatment is cancelled or deferred at short notice so there will be no charge if a client needs to cancel or reschedule a treatment due to having COVID-19 symptoms or any other illness.
For more information…
I am happy to be contacted for more detailed information about the risk assessments I have carried out, their outcomes and the changes I have made to my practice and / or to discuss any aspect of your treatment during this time.
Name: Kathryn Comitti
Date: 13th July 2020
Updated: 30th June 2023