Mala McAlpin Guidelines to implement when you begin treating clients again
Whether you’re a medical facility that is currently open and treating patients, or you’re on the edge of your seat waiting to do so, patient and client safety protocols will of course be your number one priority right now.
If you’re a medical clinic about to reopen for selected services, we’ve done a roundup for you of some safety measures that other medical clinics and practices have put into place when physically welcoming guests through their doors to ensure staff and client safety, and these measures will all likely extend to beauty, spa and wellness services once given the green light, so take note!
The Skin Clinic Fremantle
For the safety of our patients (medical procedures only) and team members we have instituted the following infection control measures in the clinic: Regular cleaning has been increased so that all door handles, surfaces and key contact areas are disinfected with antiviral cleaner between each patient. You will be requested to wash or disinfect your hands with sanitiser on arrival at the clinic. You will notice that your Nurse/Doctor will be wearing a face mask and gloves to minimise the risk of asymptomatic viral spread. We are spacing our appointments further apart to minimise contact between patients and to allow for additional cleaning measures. There are changes in the waiting room, including further spacing between chairs, removal of all magazines, and social distancing markers on the floor. Please do not bring children or additional adults with you to your appointment unless they are required as a carer or translator.
We have permanently opened the front door of the clinic so no door handles need to be touched. There is hand sanitiser with instructions for use at the entrance. We have social distancing markers on the floor to keep patients at least 1.5m apart from each other and from our receptionists. Patients are sent SMS reminders for their appointments that also now contain COVID-19 screening questions and these are repeated on the door to the clinic and asked again at reception before they are checked in.
Cosmetic Sculpting Clinic
We restricted our operations to one day per week by appointment only, which gave us strict control over exactly who was entering the clinic and slowed down the booking process so that we could ensure the procedures and requirements were followed. Only one patient is permitted in the clinic at a time. Bookings are spaced 15 minutes apart and patients are admitted to the clinic only after the other patient has left and the rooms have been sanitised. Patients must confirm they are not experiencing any relevant symptoms and have not come into contact with anyone experiencing relevant symptoms or travelled in the last 14 days. Public transport can not be used to attend appointments. We ask all patients to arrive by private transport and make use of the 3-hour free parking we have on site, right next to the clinic.
We also implemented new standards of cleaning and sanitation in addition to our usual procedures. All staff must wear N95 Face Masks and eye protection at all times. Guests must use hand sanitiser upon entering. Any touchpoint (e.g. ipad, hand mirror etc) must be sanitised after every use with alcohol wipes. All rooms must be wiped down and sanitised after every patient (All surfaces, furniture, sinks etc, and all patient forms should be filled out electronically at home where possible.
Kailo Medispa
Our medical team and staff currently working on site have put strict hygiene protocols in place. This includes an online questionnaire for every IV booking, and temperature checks before entering Kailo. Our doctors and medical team wear PPE at all times and each treatment is given in isolation in individual rooms. Extra cleaning and hygiene practices have been added to the physical space at Kailo.
Northern Sydney Dermatology
NSD is open as an essential service providing dermatology appointments. When you arrive you will sanitise your hands, have your temperature taken, and be seated at a safe social distance. TeleDerm video consultations are also available.
Selph Health Studios
We have a very rigorous cleaning schedule after each client, and only have a maximum of six clients in the studio at any one time. Our practitioners check in each morning before coming to the studio to make sure they are well and not showing any signs of illness.
Additional measures that may be appropriate for you, depending on the size of your facilities and nature of services:
- Tape distance markers on the floor for queue areas
- Capped visitor numbers
- Age caps/restricting senior clients
- No cash – debit/credit cards only
- Recommend clients download the CovidSafe app prior to visiting
- Only see clients via appointment – pop a sign on the door to prevent walk-ins
- Provide only bottles of water or disposable cups for beverages
- Ask that clients call upon arriving and wait outside, as opposed to in the waiting room
- Arrange staggered staff breaks to avoid crowding of communal areas
If you have any other suggestions to share with other clinics and business owners, please feel free to pop them in the comments below!
