Putting patient safety first during Covid-19

Our aim is to provide Acupuncture services only when the anticipated benefits of treatment clearly outweigh the risks to both patient and practitioner.

During this pandemic my office’s first priority is patient safety. I have been keeping up to-date with all regulations put out by the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, our local Simcoe Muskoka Heath Unit. As well as adhering to the guidelines set out by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). My office has developed a comprehensive clinical policy which covers all aspects of care and what we are doing to keep everyone safe and healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.

How are we keeping everyone safe at the clinic?

Clinic capacity

We have reduced clinic capacity in order to ensure physical distancing and to allow appropriate time for sanitization protocols. Treatment is strictly by appointment only. We do not allow walk-ins at this time.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE will be worn at all times. As a registered Acupuncturist this means a surgical mask, scrubs, and gloves when necessary.

Sanitation and disinfection

We are following our College guidelines which require us to go above and beyond our typical requirements for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting between each and every patient. We use an approved, hospital-grade disinfectant on the treatment tables and all high touch surfaces. We disinfect the bathroom facilities after each use.

General Cleaning

A thorough deep clean of our office occurs weekly with special attention to high touch surfaces. Approved hospital-grade disinfectants are used, and cleaning staff adhere to all masking and gloving requirements while on site.

Clean Needle Technique

As licensed Acupuncturists, we will continue to follow CNT, a standard technique for infection control during acupuncture treatment. There is a stringent hand washing protocol practice in place.

Linens and laundry

With your safety in mind, regular treatment table linens have been replaced with disposable sheets and headrest covers. Cloth towels will still be used for your comfort and once soiled are stored in secure laundry receptacles, until laundered on hot according to recommendations. All single use disposable items will be kept in secure receptacles with a tight-fitting lid.

Contactless payment

Touchless credit card payment is available on site. Alternately, you can request we bill your credit card, which we have on file. Invoices can be emailed upon request.

Clinic Safety Plan

Your safety is our first priority. We have attended professional development webinars on clinic safety during COVID-19, and read all Ministry of Health, Public Health, CTCMPAO and NCCAOM guidelines thoroughly, creating a safety and procedures document our clinic will follow. We are keeping up to date on any and all new emerging information with regards to the pandemic.

Booking your appointment

Booking an appointment

Appointments can be made by calling our office. Inquiries can also be made by email. For your convenience we are working on making it possible for you to book your own appointment via our on-line booking app, a link will be posted on our website.

New Patients

The clinic is currently accepting new patients. However, we do require all new patients to book their initial consult via phone.

Re-scheduling an appointment

Please know that you must be free of symptoms for 14 DAYS before rebooking an appointment and must clear COVID-19 screening.

Appointment reminders

Appointment reminders will automatically be sent out via text or email, according to your preference.

Cancellation fees

We have removed late cancellation fees at this time to encourage you to stay home if feeling unwell.

Preparing for your appointment

Screening

We will be diligently screening patients for possible COVID-19 symptoms. This will occur 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment as well as upon your arrival on appointment day. Please click on all automated emails from our software scheduling app ‘Jane’, as they may contain important COVID-19 screening questions or other information. In addition to having your temperature taken, you will need to complete the screening before every acupuncture appointment – this helps keep us all safe!

Rescheduling due to COVID-19 screening

If you are ill, answer YES to any of the screening questions, or present with a fever (anything higher than 37.8 C according to the Ontario Ministry of Health) please contact us ASAP to cancel your appointment. You can complete the online self-assessment tool and then call Telehealth Ontario #1-866-797-0000 for further assessment and possible testing.

Please bring with you

Mask, pen, and water bottle if you tend to get thirsty post treatment.

Masks

You must wear a mask the entire time you are in the clinic and throughout the treatment. It should fit comfortably over your nose, mouth and chin. A cloth mask is acceptable. If you forget a mask, we will supply you with one.

Visitors

Do not bring any visitor with you to the appointment unless necessary (i.e., for mobility or language requirements). If someone does accompany you, they will also need to be screened prior to entering the office.

Washroom facilities

Please consider using the washroom before leaving the house. Our washrooms are open and are cleaned regularly to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Important notices

Please check on all the email reminders you receive from us. These may contain important COVID screening questionnaires or other reminders before your appointments.

Arriving for your appointment

Waiting room closed

Please attend your appointments punctually to minimize waiting. When you arrive, please wait in your car or outside the clinic, until your practitioner calls/texts your cell phone, or gives you a wave indicating that they are ready for you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Look after yourselves and stay safe.