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Our Stance on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Were here to help!

The team at Astute is mindful that you are being bombarded by news and information surrounding COVID-19 and we understand that at times this can feel overwhelming. As an Allied Health Clinic, we want to acknowledge the risk, but assure you of the steps being taken to protect your health and wellbeing.

The Astute Clinic team are here to assist the wider community through this time, and will remain open. Plans have been put in place for continuity of patient care, and a number of scenarios planned for in case of Local, National or Health Department directives which may come in the coming weeks and months.

Pain and issues with your body don’t take a holiday, and can increase with stress and anxiety. We have you covered!

 

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT PEOPLE ATTEND OUR CLINIC BECAUSE THEY ARE IN PAIN, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE SICK.

 

Current advice is that the risk of transmission of the Coronavirus is small when receiving physiotherapy, massage, exercise physio, pilates and other types of allied health treatment, provided all patients read the below advice and act upon it. We all have a role to play here.

 

As the situation continues to evolve, we will keep you in the loop.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

 

At Astute Health we are proceeding with all due caution and have implemented additional measures to keep our clients and staff safe.

  • We have a large stockpile of Antiseptic Wipes, Alcohol Based Sanitiser, Cleaning Products, and have put in place enhanced cleaning measures and processes for the health and safety of everyone within our clinic.

  • Throughout the day we are wiping down all common surfaces and handles with alcohol based wipes and doing extra cleanings each day,

  • We have hand sanitiser placed around the clinic.

  • The virus is most effectively combated by hand-washing with soap for 20 seconds and frequent cleaning of surfaces, so you should add this to your routine immediately, as we always have done and will continue to do between each client. The virus is surrounded by a layer of fat, and breaks down with soap, detergents and alcohol-based solutions.

  • We have removed all but essential treatment items off our shelves, desks and floors so that more efficient cleaning can occur on a more frequent basis.

  • We ask that all clients attending classes bring along their own mat/towel and drink bottle

  • We have removed all reading material from our reception area, please bring your own if required.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

  • Support your immune system - the best way to combat the spread of illness is to stay healthy. This means eating well, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest and continue to exercise.

  • Practice good self hygiene and wash your hands frequently

  • Stay informed, but grounded in facts and please reach out if you are concerned. Your mental health is just as important as your physical.

 

I AM UNSURE IF I SHOULD ATTEND MY APPOINTMENT.

  • We ask you to be upfront and honest about your travel history, and potential exposure, to ensure that all staff and patients (especially our elderly and immunocompromised patients) remain healthy. This does not mean that you will be unable to be treated, it just means that everyone is aware of any
    precautions that may need to be taken, including treatment positioning (ie treating you face down instead of face up), or techniques used.

  • If you have travelled Overseas in the past 14 days, AND you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, excessive runny nose, shortness of breath) – please do not attend your appointment. Please seek medical advice which may include getting tested for COVID-19.

  • If you have just arrived back from travelling overseas ANYWHERE, it is now mandatory that you self-quarantine for 14 days.

  • If you have had known close contact with a person with COVID-19, do not attend your appointment. Please self-isolate for 14 days as per Advice.

  • If you have arrived from overseas in the past 14 days, but are NOT showing symptoms, please advise us via telephone before you arrive at our clinic.

  • If in doubt about anything, please call.

 

If you are not a returned traveller, nor had contact with COVID-19:

  • Current advice is that you are safe. Person-to-person transmission in the community is not yet posing an issue, but this could change rapidly so keep updated with current Health and Government advice. We will do the same and update you accordingly, as best we can.

  • If you are feeling unwell in any way, please contact us for advice about whether you should attend your appointment. If you have a fever, cough, excessive runny nose or shortness of breath, then you will be advised to not attend your appointment.

 

WHAT'S NEXT?

NSW is in a good position to handle this threat due to our public hospital system, and because we have had more time to prepare, compared to other countries.

There is a risk, depending on the spread of the virus, that health systems will become pushed to capacity, meaning that Elective Surgery and non-essential medical care in both the Private and Public Hospital systems will be put back for a while.

 

As Allied Health Practitioners, we are here to help. We are qualified to assess and treat Musculoskeletal conditions, and play a vital role in helping those who may require surgery for damaged ligaments and joints, to keep moving, and with less pain. Should surgeries or specialist appointments be delayed, we will need to step up to the mark, to ensure people have a good Quality-of-Life during this time.

There is also a chance that there will be directives that schools, public places and businesses etc be required to close for a period, and people instructed to remain indoors at home, should the risk of a large outbreak escalate.

 

So, if you are reading this and have been putting up with a problem, NOW is the time to get it looked at. And, listen carefully to the advice of the local and national authorities, and do as they say. The business has plans for next steps for patient care should these circumstances arise.

 

IN CONCLUSION

 

We will continue to keep you informed during this uncertain time.

Please ask our staff any questions you may have about the Coronavirus, including ways to keep you and your family healthy in the upcoming months. We are here to help.

 

(And please don’t steal our Toilet Paper!)

 

If you have any questions whatsoever, please email us or contact the clinic on 4455 4825

 

Yours in Health

 

Peter Howcroft – Physiotherapist/Director

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW:

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

Did you know that you can ring the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080?
Please feel welcome to call this line if you need information or advice on coronavirus. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

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