Surgical treatments and practices have faced several challenges in this COVID market. Particularly, for specialist clinics that offer cosmetic treatments, such as anti-ageing treatments, for example. Taking guidance from professional medical organisations, many smaller surgical practices closed at the beginning of the crisis. Urgent research was then undertaken into how surgical practices could manage their provision of healthcare while protecting staff and patients from Covid-19. This has resulted in a number of government guidelines to follow, which have allowed clinics to open their doors to patients again, with enhanced health and safety measures.
Surgical Practices
Adherence to health and safety measures has always been essential best practise for any medical or clinical environment. And to further protect patients and healthcare teams from potential exposure to Covid-19, many clinics now offer a wider range of pre-surgery check-ups for clients undergoing surgical treatment. These might include detailed questionnaires, temperature monitoring, and an investigation and assessment of a patient’s potential risk of, or exposure to, Covid-19. These investigations are undertaken before clients can even undergo procedures such as anti-ageing treatments or non-surgical treatments. Some clinics are now offering initial consultations for surgical treatment online, or through a video call, and follow-up calls are provided to ensure the well-being of their patients.
This provision will benefit clients as it avoids the need for unnecessary journeys, with possible exposure to the virus. It also allows the doctor to form a good relationship with the patient through that first important consultation. Through this call, the doctor can discuss the patient’s requirements for anti-ageing treatments, or non-surgical treatments, while assessing the patient’s treatment needs or goals, before they attend the clinic.
Anti-ageing treatments
Clinics offering anti-ageing treatments are also increasing the number of appointment times they offer. This will enable staff to thoroughly sanitise touch surfaces and treatment rooms throughout the day. Many are providing dedicated waiting areas too, which will enable patients to safely social distance from each other, in line with government guidelines. Patients visiting clinics for anti-ageing treatment are reminded to attend wearing their face mask. While most clinical staff will now wear full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The wearing of some form of PPE has always been a requirement for medical staff treating patients in a clinical treatment setting. But even more so at this time, as it is an essential part of clinical equipment, that helps safeguard staff and patients from exposure to Covid-19.
Covid-19 has presented many challenges, not only for the NHS but also for smaller clinics offering non-surgical treatments. Prior to Covid-19, clinical practices were already strictly adhering to health and safety policies. But in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, these policies have had to be revised. By following up-to-date, government guidelines, clinics have upgraded their infection control policies and patient management systems, while ensuring they are providing the highest standard of hygiene and safety for their patients and staff. With these renewed guidelines, clinics have been able to re-open their doors and return to what they do best; provide quality healthcare for their patients.
