Returning to Practise – COVID-19 safe preparations

Preparing to return to practise during the continuing presence of COVID-19 has been a challenge for all our clinicians, and especially those who must, by virtue of the type of work they do, be in the 2-metre zone around the clinical couch with a patient. For Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Victoria Muir, this is a key issue, and she took time out to tell us more about this.

BCR: Can you tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing in the run up to being able to start practise again?

Victoria: I’ve been preparing for stage 2 of Covid-19 and a phased return to clinical practice – still not ‘business as normal’ but beginning with opening the doors to those in urgent need and who are Covid free.

BCR: What have been the main things to focus on?

Victoria: The focus for my practice, and all my pelvic health physio colleagues, is on controlling and preventing infection, and reassuring our patients we are following all our professional and government guidelines to protect and keep them safe.

BCR: It sounds like there are a lot of logistics involved in that?

Victoria: So, a lot of work has been done before we can start back : Risk assessments done, PPE bought (as I’m modelling in the photograph), Covid screening tool ready, emails written [to patients]

BCR: How do you feel about going back to practise in this new way?

Victoria: I’m looking forward to seeing them [my patients] again soon, and getting back to clinical work in a safe and caring environment

There is a lot to think about, planning and logistics-wise, whilst COVID-19 is still in the community, but in light of the evolving guidelines and situation, practise can be modified to make it as safe as possible. The commitment of dedicated clinicians like Victoria, with the support of their professional regulatory bodies, leads to a new way of working that helps keep us all safe.

Victoria Muir is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Originally posted 12/06/2020