SNS SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY
These guidelines are based on the current available information, guidelines and recommendations as set out by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, the Australian Physiotherapy Association and current knowledge of the transmission of Covid-19. As more information and guidelines become available or change these guidelines may change to reflect that in order to provide the safest possible environment for patients and staff of SNS Sports Physiotherapy.
Patient and staff Pre-Sceening:
All patients are advised to disclose the following information prior to their appointment at SNS Sports Physiotherapy:
Travel: If they have recently travelled both domestic or international
Isolation: If they were recently required to be in home isolation or quarantine.
Wellness: If they are feeling unwell or have symptoms affiliated with Covid-19 including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or respiratory distress.
Exposure: If they have recently been exposed to anyone infected with Covid-19 or if they have been to any exposure sites listed on the HealthyWA website.
Note: All staff are also required to disclose the above information to management prior to entering SNS Sports Physiotherapy.
Check-In:
All persons entering SNS Sports Physiotherapy are required to sign in via the Safe WA/Service WA QR code.
Masks:
All persons entering SNS Sports Physiotherapy are required to wear a mask while they are in the clinic. A patient is only allowed to remove their mask if they are partaking in vigorous exercise and have been instructed to by their physiotherapist. Surgical masks are preferred, but not required, over cloth masks as they are more effective in reducing transmission.
Hand Hygiene:
Patients are asked to perform hand hygiene on arrival and throughout their appointment. The Australian Government Department of Health recommends the 5 steps of hand hygiene which all staff have been trained on and are required to comply with. The 5 steps of hand hygiene and educational posters are displayed through the clinic as an education tool for patients and a visual reminder to ensure all visitors of the clinic comply and reduce the risk of transmission. Hand sanitiser is made available to patients and staff throughout the clinic.
Proof of vaccination & Vaccination mandates:
Patients:
As we have a rehabilitation gym all patients entering SNS Sports Physiotherapy are required to show proof of vaccination prior to their appointment, this does not apply for Telehealth patients only patients entering the clinic for face-to-face consultations. A box will be ticked in our practice management software stating that proof of vaccination has been sighted. The information regarding your vaccination will not be recorded or stored in compliance with our privacy policy. Once proof of vaccination has been sighted it will not be sighted again unless government recommendations change.
If you are not able to provide proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption form, please note that telehealth is the preferred form of consultation. If a circumstance arises that a non-vaccinated patient must be seen face to face the following will be required of the patient in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission:
A certified N95 must be worn by the patient at all times
As outlined on the Australian Government Department of Health website (Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in the context of COVID-19) N95 masks are the best form of mask to wear in order to reduce transmission of Covid-19. Surgical and cloth masks will not be accepted. Note: Your therapist will be wearing an N95 mask well.
A negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result may be required 1 hour prior to the appointment during times of high community transmission
“RAT’s are being utilised as a screening and outbreak management tool” (Australian Government Department of Health Website – Rapid Antigen Testing for age care). SNS Sports Physiotherapy treats many patients over the age of 60 and those who are immunocompromised. In order to reduce the risk of transmission to these vulnerable populations a negative RAT test 1 hour prior to your face-to-face consultation may be required when community transmission is high.
Appointment times for face-to-face consultations will be restricted to the last treatment session of the day once all other patients have left and the rehabilitation gym is empty. Please note that this is subject to therapist availability as they will need to extend their shift slightly.
Strict cleaning procedures have been implemented at SNS Sports Physiotherapy in order to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in the clinic. Unvaccinated patients will be scheduled for face-to-face consultations in the last treatment spot of the day to ensure that thorough cleaning can commence following the appointment and to reduce the risk of cross-over with the immunosuppressed and vulnerable populations.
Note: The above does not apply to children under the age of 16 but does apply to the guardian accompanying them to their appointment. Telehealth appointments are available to those without vaccinations within all operating business hours and have been proven to be highly effective.
Therapists:
All Physiotherapists at SNS Sports Physiotherapy are complying with the Australian Government and WA Health state mandate regulations with regards to COVID-19 vaccinations. The current mandates dictate that all staff are fully vaccinated and boosted.
Physical Distancing
Maintaining a distance of 1.5m from others is encouraged within the clinic where possible. We understand that this is not possible during the treatment session, but all efforts will be made to distance where possible. Seating in the waiting room is spaced at least 1.5m apart.
Cleaning procedures
The cleanliness of all areas of the clinic are maintained at all times in order to reduce the potential risk of infection transmission.
Routine cleaning of the patient treatment area is performed between each patient with detergent/disinfectant solution/wipe. This includes the treatment bed and latex pillow, desk and chair used by the patient.
Extra care is taken to clean/disinfect frequently touched/used surfaces or surfaces that have been directly contacted with or have been exposed to respiratory droplets. Examples of frequently touched surfaces and objects that will undergo routine disinfection are:
tables, desks and countertops
doorknobs and handles
light switches
phones
keyboards, pens and stationery
toilets
faucets and sinks
touch screens and computers
EFTPOS machines
Gym equipment
Books and pamphlets have been removed from the treatment area. All patients and staff have access to hand washing facilities with suitable liquid soap and disposable paper towels. Hand washing instruction posters are located above the sink to ensure appropriate techniques are followed.
All staff ensure that clinical and related wastes are stored, handled and disposed of in compliance with the EPA regulatory requirements. All staff receive periodic updates as to the safe handling and disposal of clinical, related and general wastes as part of routine infection control in-service education.
Procedures for: Symptomatic or high-risk exposure staff & patients
IF NOT SHOWING SYMPTOMS, BUT MEETING RISK CRITERIA:
The patient will be offered a telehealth consultation and be required to follow government protocols on covid tests and self-isolation. If the patient has entered the clinic before disclosing their exposure risk, then that patient will leave the clinic as soon as practically possible. Cleaning of potential contaminated areas will take place immediately, which may result in some delays of treatment for subsequent patients, and we ask for your understanding if this circumstance arises. Any patient or staff member who has been in contact with the at-risk patient will be notified.
IF SHOWING SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH COVID-19 OR ARE UNWELL:
If a patient or staff member present to the clinic showing symptoms consistent with Covid-19 including a cough, fever, respiratory distress or are unwell the same process as above will be implemented with the individual being informed and encouraged to seek medical advice by calling their GP or one the following relevant health advisory line: COVID Hotline 13 COVID or Health Direct 1800 022 222.
IF A THERAPIST IS CONSIDERED A HIGH RISK EXPOSURE:
The therapist will be required to home quarantine for 7 days
PCR/RAT test on day 1& 6
Return to clinic work on Day 7 if day 6 test is negative and the therapist is asymptomatic
RAT test day 8, 10 & 12
Remain vigilant for symptoms and testing if symptoms present
If the therapist is well enough arrangements will be made for them to do secure telehealth consultations from home or patients will be rescheduled with another therapist for face-to-face consultations.
SNS Sports Physiotherapy thanks you for doing your part to keep our community safe!
Copyright SNS Sports Physiotherapy 2022