COVID-19

End of COVID restrictions in Scotland

COVID restrictions have effectively now ended in Scotland. This means that although we will continue enhanced cleaning and ventilation, there is no need to wear a mask, or remain at 2m distance.

Ongoing measures:

  • We will maintain regular ventilation of the practice room with fresh air as a long term healthy precaution.
  • We will maintain UVa HEPA filter air scrubbing while the window is closed as a long term healthy precaution.
  • We will use additional antiviral and anti-bacterial products in high risk areas as a long term healthy precaution.
  • At the end of clinic days we will use UVa room sterilisation
    as a long term healthy precaution.
  • We will maintain regular hand washing as a sensible clinical environment precaution and ask clients to wash their hands with soap and water if they have had contact with high risk environments.

Ongoing Disease Spread Control

  • If you have symptoms of any flu or heavy cold like respiratory condition, please do NOT attend in person, attend online.
  • In the event of a respiratory condition please obey NHS guidance and do not attend until 7 days after infection or when symptoms have ceased.
  • In the event of a gastric condition such as vomiting, do not attend in person or until 48 hours have passes since the last symptom.
  • Do not attend with any other obviously contagious or infectious condition.

In house COVID QR code

No longer applies

Update 05.04.2022

We are still ventilating, sterilising and cleaning, as are our landlords. Clients with clinical mental health conditions are allowed to exempt from face coverings, otherwise please wear them in communal areas.

Update 14.08.2021

Strathmore have now hired a specialist company to “fogg” and “shield”. This is a major step forward in safety with COVID. This means that all surfaces are now deadly for covid, and ongoing cleaning still continues, with an emphasis in clinic on ventilation.

Update June 2021

As of June 2021 Strathmore have taken over full responsibility for the cleaning of the communal spaces at the Scott House building. Up until now I had been using additional shielding sprays. Because of the danger of mixing chemicals, and because the cleaner was struggling to clean the shielding spray off surfaces, a simplified system is now in effect.

I have been told that a “deep clean” will be completed once a week. I will be wiping the touch surfaces with the chemical used by the in house cleaner several times a day. As you can imagine, a “deep clean” once a week is not sufficient when the building is in use 7 days a week, therefore I will be doing my best to safeguard you when on site, with some additional wiping of surfaces, and by me leading the way, opening doors etc using gloves.

You MUST wear a face covering in communal areas, especially the lift and stairs.

When using the stairs, please use your judgement to balance touching surfaces such as the Bannister, that multiple other people may have touched, versus fall risk. If you touch surfaces, use the hand gel at the bottom of the stairs before leaving.

When using the lift, the buttons again, although I will be wiping them several times a day, will be touched by other people. Therefore when entering the building you should hand wash or hand gel, especially if you touch buttons, doors or handles. Where possible allow me to operate the lift using gloves.

If using the toilets, please note that this will be surface wiped at the start of the day, but hand washing protocols should be used on leaving the rest rooms, using a paper towel to operate doors, which can be deposited in the open bin in the kitchen area.

The office space itself remains my job to clean and I will continue to use a combination of non toxic but effective cleaning agents and UV sterilization tools for a daily deep clean, and quick cleans after every visiting client.

Ventilation and HEPA-UVA air filtration will remain a priority.

COSHH update

Main chemicals used in communal areas by Scott House cleaning staff:
“Spray and Wipe from Clover Chemicals”: Safety information HERE

No spraying will occur when you are present, therefore please avoid touching surface when it has just been wiped. Once dry the cleaning agent is very safe, but while being sprayed PPE must be used and inhalation avoided.

Minor Update: Feb 2021

Due to more easily spread strains of virus we have increased cleaning intensity. Please see COSHH data below. At times some floor surfaces may be damp or wet when sprayed and therefore please use caution and take notice of any visual evidence, or verbal warning from your practitioner.

We are also ensuring that mugs and glasses are hot dishwasher washed after use, and washed again with hot soapy soap cleaner the morning of use. The water jug and glasses in the room are changed regularly during the day.

COSHH. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (2002) means that now we are using more intense cleaning we are providing links to the data for our main cleaning fluids for clients to take note of. This enables easy identification of any elements you may know you are sensitive to. Please inform us if you may be sensitive to any of the chemicals in question. We have listed this information here digitally rather than the usual risk assessment file in paper form, since because of COVID we need to reduce all paper based files and items.

  1. Vital Baby Hygiene sanitizing water. Risk: Extremely low. This substance contains only hypoclorous acid and water. it is harmless to eyes, skin, inhalation and even if swallowed. it is the main cleaning fluid used between clients and is the only chemical you may directly be exposed to. Data HERE
  2. Cif biodegradable kitchen wipes. Risk: low. These are used to wipe down contact surfaces and are designed to be used in environments where hands will touch the wiped surfaces. You may find yourself touching door handles or taps that have been cleaned recently with these. Data HERE
  3. Cif other wipes, also biodegradable.
    These are used to wipe down contact surfaces and are designed to be used in environments where hands will touch the wiped surfaces. You may find yourself touching door handles or taps that have been cleaned recently with these. Risk: low. Data HERE
  4. Powerchem Virokiller. Risk: in use: HIGH. Wash from skin, eye wash if in eyes, do not inhale. Every morning a deep clean is carried out using this specialist cleaning product. It is NOT used when clients are present and residue should be extremely minimal meaning that the actual risk is extremely low. Being phased out, may be used again if a further lockdown or level 4 is required. Data HERE
  5. Wilco Biodegradable antibac wipes.
    These are used to wipe down contact surfaces and are designed to be used in environments where hands will touch the wiped surfaces. You may find yourself touching door handles or taps that have been cleaned recently with these. Risk: low. Data HERE
  6. Antiviral Room Spray – Naturopathic. Risk Very low. This is also used between clients and is also safe for skin, inhalation and contact. Not safe to swallow or have in eyes since contains mild aromatherapy oils. Designed to be hypoallergenic and safe. Data HERE
  7. Tea Tree Oil. Used in small amounts in air filter as an antiviral. Very low risk in this form since is not applied to skin through contact and is not consumed. Usually only risks apply if swallowed or applied neat to skin which is highly unlikely in clinic. Risk: very low. Data HERE
  8. Microban 24 Hour Shield Disinfectant Spray, Citrus Scent. Risk in use, Medium. Avoid inhale, wash from skin, use eye bath if in eyes. Risk after application, Low. This leaves a 24 hour protective coating on surfaces. It will NOT be used in the office itself since this would lead to over exposure, even if supposedly safe. Instead it will only be used in communal areas such as toilets and lift as a barrier with minimal time exposure. Data HERE
  9. Hand gel: various. All hand gel both in clinic and in building is designed to be 70% alcohol and can irritate some people. Item ONE on the list above can be used if you can not use hand gel, or you can use the soap and water hand washing facilities. Risk: Low. Data HERE

Minor Update, 1st october 2020

Strathmore, who manage Scott House, have now installed a QR code to scan when visiting the building.

Please could all clients scan the code and comply with this latest precaution. in the event of being informed that someone has been tested positive in the building, you will be informed via the Scott House track and protect scheme. This is not instead of our own scheme, and you are still required to consent to our system, and are also recommended to use the Scottish Track and Protect phone application as well.

It should be noted that there is a low likelihood of infection from another user of the Scott House building even if you are contacted, since the only risk really is in the reception lobby, stairwell and lift.

Environmental impact of PPE and precautions is being limited where possible, with Scotlandtherapy moving to biodegradable antibacterial wipes, gloves, face mask filters and vegan disinfectant sprays. Face visors are being sterilized and reused as many times as possible (unfortunately they tend to break).

Additional update 26th August 2020

We note that under Scottish law, our clinic room, which allows social distancing at 2 meters means that a face mask can be removed if needs be once seated. (see below). However we ask that a mask still be worn if possible as an added precaution, and masks / coverings MUST be met in common areas of the building where the ONE METER rule applies.

Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your appointment. This allows us to stagger appointments and clean between clients. It is important you do not arrive early since we need to ensure clients do not meet indoors (see regulator advice) and we do not want to have to extend gaps to the otherwise recommended 30 mins.


LINKS:

Regulator advice
https://www.cnhc.org.uk/covid-19-advice-return-to-work-and-working-safely

General Scottish rules
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/pages/face-coverings/ 

Exclusions including with 2 meters distancing 
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2020/103/regulation/6B

New Offices, important update effective 5th August 2020 , minor clarifications added 19th August in [] brackets

We are very happy to announce that from the 5th August we are moving to new bespoke offices in Edinburgh City Centre. The landlords are known to both us and to colleagues of ours, and we are very happy to note that they have extremely organised and effective COVID measures in place.

In our clinic room we have no-touch hand sanitiser, and a medical grade special air filter that combines HEPA filtration, UV sterilisation, Ioniser and Aromatherapy oils. This combines all the main air cleaning methods in one unit, calibrated and chosen for the size of space in use.

As well as the in house cleaning, the room is sanitised in multiple ways before, after and between sessions using both antiseptic and UV methods. Ventilation will also be used where practicable. Face masks or coverings must be worn in session.

In addition to the usual measures we have already outlined below please note the following in addition, specific to our new offices.

  1. Please only use the lift when going up to the clinic office where possible. Having said this, if you have any mobility issues, or would find descending the stairs from the 6th floor too much, then do continue to use the lift. Remember your face covering.
  2. Please avoid touching lift buttons and stair banisters wherever possible. If you do need to touch these, there are hand sanitiser facilities at the entrance of the building, and at our clinic room. Please do not touch your face in between touching these items and cleaning your hands. [In the lift please face away from the therapist, who will wear a face visor and mask.]
  3. Please wear face coverings inside the building, since the stairwells and lift do not allow for 2m social distancing, and therefore the 1m rules apply. [In the practice room the chairs are 2 meters apart, therefore technically under government exclusions HERE coverings can be removed, however please wear a face covering if possible. We respect that some people are excluded from this requirement due to medical or other conditions, however please wear one if possible since we want maximum safety in clinic. We have additional safety features in place in support of this.]

REMEMBER in the building common areas
the ONE METRE rules apply, and the clinic room the 2m rules apply

  1. Always wear a face covering if possible.
  2. Maintain a reasonable distance of around 1m where possible
  3. Give way to oncoming people to allow space
  4. Ensure up to date track and trace information has been given to your therapist
  5. Catch and bin coughs and sneezes in a tissue and clean hands
  6. Clean hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.

Update – reopening Face to Face! 10th July 2020

From 15th July Face to face psychological therapy will be possible. We start back on the 25th July.

Please note that to receive face to face therapy you must first complete the new consent form HERE

You should read the consent form carefully and revisit it if you forget content. You must not attend if you or anyone you have had contact with in the last 14 days have had any COVID symptoms (see below). You must not attend if you have visited any locked down areas, countries or hot spots, or countries not on the Scotland open air travel list in the last 14 days. You must not attend if you have any reason to think you may have been exposed to COVID-19. You must not attend if you are ill with any other infectious illness. You should consult carefully before attending if you or anyone you support or live with is shielding.

Summary:

By attending, you are agreeing that your attendance time(s) and contact details can be shared with Track and Trace in the event of an outbreak or case on the premises.

Before attending you must ensure you are not symptomatic and where possible please check your temperature.

On the way to attending you must obey mandatory rules on public transport.

On arrival you may be required to have a touch free temperature check.

On arrival, departure and if using the toilet (only to be used if urgent) you must use hand cleaning protocols.

You must wear a face covering during sessions

You may not bring food, drink or a companion to sessions.

You may not wait around the premises before or after sessions, please arrive within 5 minutes of time.

Please check your session time carefully, sessions will have to be staggered to allow for extra cleaning and to prevent groups arriving at once.

You must tell us and remain using virtual sessions if you become symptomatic, any of the other risks apply, or if you have allergies or contra indications to cleaning or hygiene products that may be used for infection risk reduction.

Booked sessions will have the capacity to be virtual, and if you can not or should not attend in person, your session will default to being virtual via doxy.

Update 4th June (previous Update 24th March)

Corona Virus Update – Scotlandtherapy

We are now as a country in Lock down. Please do not attempt to attend any venues. All sessions are virtual using doxy.me

Although lock down is now easing, the professional bodies and regulators are still instructing psychological therapists that it is not appropriate to do face to face sessions at this time. We are however preparing the necessary training, precautions, safety measures and PPE for when it is indeed time to return.

Stay safe, stay well, stay at home!

As you will no doubt already be aware, the COVID-19 virus is now spreading in the UK, with the first 2 cases in Edinburgh today (12th March).

The official government advice can be seen at the NHS site https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Scotland workplace advice https://www.gov.scot/news/workplace-advice-contained-in-new-coronavirus-guidance/

Your role as a client:

If you have symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, do NOT attend your session in person, simply arrange to have a virtual session using Skype or Zoom. If you are seriously ill with the virus, such as being in hospital, let us know as soon as possible and you will not be charged for the duration of serious illness.

When it is safe to return to face to face sessions, there will be additional precautions to carry out before each session. These include a check list of symptoms including fever, and possible exposure. Further checks will be carried out on site.

Remember the key symptoms:

  • Dry cough
  • High Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Diarrhea
  • Unexplained rashes or COVID-toe
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Head pains
  • Severe muscle pains

Additional symptoms, not recognised by the government yert, are also listed on official sites such as those of the World Health Organisation, and the British Medical Journal

So in short if you have these symptoms, or have had contact with an infected person, then self isolate and call NHS 24 for testing via the 111 phone line. See the above link for more information and advice.

Additional: According to new studies, the initial period of mild coughing and very few symptoms is the most infectious, so please do not ignore a dry cough that has no other obvious cause!

Incidentally if you have any infectious illness the above should also apply. The cancellation rules are clear, you are still liable for sessions if unwell, unless this requires critical / hospital care. You can however still have a virtual session.

If you cough or sneeze, remember the catch it and bin it protocol, avoid touching your face, and use hand washing and sanitising protocols frequently, especially after touching surfaces, or coughing or sneezing.

You are advised to carry your own water or food with you and use disposable cups at coffee shops for the duration of the outbreak. Avoid food, glasses or cutlery that are not sterile.

Remember that even if you have a less harmful virus or illness, spreading it could make other people more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Our role as a healthcare provider

Before lockdown we were insuring careful practice at our clinic locations, and were liaising with the management of each to ensure warm water and soap, and or hand sanitiser are available at all locations, and other deep cleaning procedures were being followed.

We were also ourselves carrying hand sanitiser as well as an extra precaution, and we are applying antiviral sprays to rooms and surfaces repeatedly throughout the practice day.

We were already rewashing all cups and glasses at the start of each day in warm soapy water as recommended so as to be sure that these are clean.

  • During Lockdown we have switched to online support via virtual sessions, using a custom and secure package called Doxy.
  • We have also ensured additional support via google drive resource files and Limbic smartphone technology
  • After lockdown we will have comprehensive additional precautions in place for prevention and control.

If I (Stuart) have to self isolate, then unless I am incapacitated by the virus, I will be available for virtual appointments.