Video: Home workstation

More of us are finding that the temporary scenario of working from home during lockdown is in fact looking more long-term. As a result, we are already seeing an increasing number of patients struggling with the effects of a makeshift home workspace.

One of our osteopaths, Andrew Gilmour, has put together this short video to help guide you towards as good a workstation as you can create at home.

Do remember, there is no such thing as the perfect sitting posture, so do take frequent breaks (try setting a timer) and exercise regularly in order to counteract the effects of a day spent sitting down.

Video: New working practice

In order to keep you informed of how we are operating safely and in line with Government guidelines, we have recorded a walkthrough video to reassure you about the safety of a potential visit to us.

We have also put together a practice policy, below, to accompany the video.

If you are at the stage where you feel you need an appointment with us, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with our policy, and to get in touch to discuss your situation by phoning 01394 387818 or emailing reception@gilmourosteo.co.uk. Online booking will remain unavailable until further notice.

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We would like to make you aware of the precautions we will be taking to protect our patients and our staff when you attend for treatment:

1. We will only see you following a thorough pre-treatment triage call to ensure you have been taking the Government-advised precautions, and to discuss the specific risks involved in a face-to-face meeting with you. All sessions will be triaged again by telephone within 24hrs of the appointment.

2. We cannot see you if you or a member of your household is experiencing symptoms of CoVID-19

3. We recommend a remote consultation if you are extremely vulnerable.

4. On arrival, we request that you wait in your car in the car park to limit the amount of time you spend in the building. You practitioner will come out to welcome you when they are ready.

5. Your practitioner will take your temperature on arrival using a contactless forehead thermometer.

6. You will be asked to use the provided hand sanitiser upon entry and exit of the building.

7. There will be no reception, in order to reduce the personnel in the building. Your practitioner may be working alone in the clinic, but a maximum of 2 practitioners may be working at any given time.

8. Your practitioner will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the duration of your visit.

9. We request that where possible you please bring and wear your own mask or scarf around your mouth and nose. (And suggest you wash them when you return home).

10. We also suggest you please bring a bath towel with you for comfort, as we have ceased using cloth treatment table covers, and are using plastic pillowcases so they can be wiped down between treatments. We advise you wash your towel on a high temperature wash when you get home.

11. Your practitioner will discuss the need for any follow up treatment with you, as it may be that a review session can be performed remotely.

12. We will not be accepting cash payments. Contactless card payments will be accepted (this will have to be done as two, smaller payments) or Online Bank Transfer (BACS).

13. Practitioners will be placing gaps between appointments in order to allow time to disinfect all surfaces. The WC if you use it will also be cleaned after you leave, including door handles. When two practitioners are working, their appointment times will be staggered in order to minimise contact.

14. All staff have been briefed on hygiene measures and have been made aware of the clinic CoVID-19 policy.

15. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the clinic on 01394 387818 or email Felix Cory-Wright at felix@gilmourosteo.co.uk

We believe this policy makes your visit as safe as it can be under the circumstances, but if you have any observations during your visit that could improve protection please let us know.

Many thanks,

Felix Cory-Wright

Practice Principal

Video: Improve lung function

It is generally acknowledged that lockdown will be lifted at some point - when and how is less certain! So we felt it would be helpful to provide you with some advice about keeping your lungs healthy, as we slowly come into contact with people from outside our households again.

Alongside nation- and community-wide social distancing, one of the most important things you can do is keep healthy individually.

This is especially important if you are within the "high risk" category, such as having diabetes or high blood pressure, are very overweight, are a smoker, or drink heavily. One of our osteopaths, Andrew Gilmour, has put together this short video to give you 5 exercises to do for 5 minutes, 5 days a week.