27/11/2021
COVID-19 UPDATE
HEALTH and SAFETY@ TUIS COTTAGE
In keeping with updated guidelines from The Ministry of Health, I have reviewed my hygiene practices, and implemented appropriate measures to ensure that I am creating a safer environment for you.
This will vary depending on the ‘Alert level’ we are in. And I will be updating them frequently- as required.
For now I have to prioritize hygiene over creature comforts, hence the removal of magazines and books, so hopefully the birdsong and green garden view will replenish you in the meantime.
I have also implemented a range of practical changes to improve our sanitary practice.
As a small business I am in a strong position to maintain a healthy and safe environment, with a ‘one person-in and one person-out’ flow.
This facilitates appropriate social distancing and reduced opportunity for the spread of germs. Especially given the airflow in my outdoors waiting room!
Should you feel safer waiting in your car until you see the previous person leave- please do so.
Providing services to non-vaccinated clients
Please be aware that you will be mingling with vaccinated and unvaccinated in this space.
Current COVID-19 guidance does not require clients to be vaccinated or to disclose their vaccination status. The Government has ruled out the use of vaccine certificates for essential services including health services.
However…. we are all expected to comply with the guidelines for physical distancing, mask wearing, good hygiene practices, and not interacting with others if unwell- regardless of vaccine status.
So if you wake up with even a sniffle on the day of your visit to TUIS COTTAGE please txt me so we can reschedule.
The Osteopathic Council considers that osteopaths should practice in a way that respects difference and does not discriminate against those in your care on the basis of s*x, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief, colour, race, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status or s*xual orientation (Standard 1.6: Code of Conduct for Osteopaths). These terms are further defined in Section 21 Prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Human Rights Act 1993.
The Council recommends that practitioners carefully consider the applicable legal and ethical factors involved regarding any decisions around the provision of treatment, and balance these against the risks that may exist in each individual case.
Ministry of Health position statement
19 NOVEMBER 2021
Principles of this statement
Health services need to provide services in accordance with the Health and Disability Commissioner (Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights) Regulations 1996. Appropriate justification is needed if a health service is proposing to refuse access to services or to not comply with rights under the Code. The onus is on the provider to make that justification. Justification should be made based on a risk assessment that considers both the provider and the patient, the other patients they see, the risk of attending a premise where there are unvaccinated persons present, and the requirements outlined in Clause 3 of the Code.
( Right 3 Right to dignity and independence
Every consumer has the right to have services provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of the individual.)
