Practice and procedures relating to COVID19 for those attending face to face therapy at the Dunton Centre.

The Dunton Centre is monitoring the situation with coronavirus and the guidelines below are in accordance with government guidance, and will be reviewed and updated as the situation evolves. It is suggested that those attending therapy at the Dunton Centre also check the Government advice regularly, as the situation is likely to fluctuate. www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronovirus

We would request that you read the following information so that you are aware of measures taken at the Dunton Centre to minimise the risk of cross contamination, for those attending face to face therapy.

Responsibilities: Users of the Dunton Centre must assess their own personal risk and comfort when deciding whether to attend in-person sessions at the Centre. The Dunton Centre is taking all reasonable precautions to mitigate the risk of Covid19 contamination or infection, but this risk cannot be eliminated. The Dunton Centre and its therapists will not accept any liability for any loss or damage should anyone be contaminated with or infected by Covid19 whilst attending the Centre .You will be expected to sign your consent to this effect, as part of the contract with your therapist, before proceeding with face to face therapy.

Risk Assessment: A risk assessment has been carried out in keeping with current Government guidelines, a copy of which is on the noticeboard in the waiting room, and available on request.  

Confidentiality and GDPR: In the event of you or your therapist coming into contact with someone who tests positive for the virus, it is an obligation to share contact details under the ‘track and trace’ system. This may also have potential implications should you be required to isolate as a result. This will be discussed with your therapist.

Social Distancing

What you can expect from us:

• Your therapist will aim to ensure that a 2 metre rule is maintained in the therapy room. Your therapist will clearly designate the areas in which you are both to sit to maintain distancing in the therapy room.

What we ask of you:

• When you arrive for your appointment, please remain in your car until your appointment time and text your therapist of your arrival. Your therapist will then open the door for you to come in. Please do not wait in the kitchen but proceed straight to your therapy room.
• Please observe the markers and seating arrangements in the therapy room.

Measures to minimise infection

What you can expect of us:

• Face covering will be worn by therapists in communal areas. The use of face covering in the therapy room will be for you to decide with your therapist.
• Windows will be left open, and fans used, where possible to increase ventilation and improve airflow.
• Furniture and relevant fittings in the therapy room will be sanitised after every appointment.
• The bathroom and toilet will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
• Packets of tissues will be available for your use.

What we ask of you:

• Please wear face covering when you attend the Centre and in the communal areas.
• Please wash your hands in the bathroom or use the sanitiser provided on entry.
• You may wish to wear warmer clothes than usual as the windows will be left open.
• When using the bathroom, please use the paper towels provided and place in the pedal bin.
• Please dispose of used tissues in the pedal bins provided.
• Please bring your own water.

In the case of infection

What you can expect from us:

• If any therapist or user of the Dunton Centre develops Covid19 symptoms, has a positive diagnosis or has been in contact with someone who has, the Core group will alert all therapists and ask that they inform their clients that the Centre is temporarily closed with immediate effect.
• The Centre will be closed for 72 hours whilst necessary cleaning is undertaken.
• This may mean that your appointment is cancelled at short notice. During the period of temporary closure, clients may be offered online or telephone sessions where appropriate until their usual room is available again.

What we ask of you:

• Please do not come to the Centre if you suspect you may be developing symptoms of Covid19 virus (these include a high temperature, a new continuous cough a loss or change of smell or taste).
• If you discover that you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus, please notify your therapist and do not come to the Centre, even if you are symptom free.
• Please follow government guidelines for contact tracing and self-isolation.

This document will be reviewed regularly to align with changes to Government guidelines.

September 2020