Risk assessment review to open for face-to-face therapy sessions
Are both ourselves and clients fully able and willing to engage in sessions by remote means rather than face-to-face?
Both Chris Hoare and Nikki Hoare are able to offer online sessions via Zoom and suggest this option to clients.
Some clients are not happy using computers and wish to have the face to face contact. Some clients are unable to get a reliable enough connection to use online services.
Have I contacted my insurance company to confirm that my professional indemnity and (if working from home) household policies fully cover me for providing therapy to clients during the current pandemic?
Yes. Contact made via phone and confirmation received provided that government guidelines are adhered to.
Have I considered the ramifications, were I to subsequently test positive for the virus (e.g. contact tracing by the NHS could oblige me to reveal the identity of clients and thus compromise issues of confidentiality)?
Yes. We would get confirmation in writing from the client that they understand and accept that we may need to share their name and telephone number with NHS tracking should we test positive for the virus or as part of the track and trace process. This information would only be shared if necessary and no details of any treatment or need of treatment would be shared.
Have I contacted Public Health/my Local Health Authority to gain confirmation that I can return to face to face work and to obtain guidance on my social distancing and sanitising procedures?
Yes, by email and phone. Asked to follow government guidelines.
Has consideration been given to the possible contagion risk arising as a consequence of client use of the toilet facilities ?
Yes. The bathroom facilities will be disinfected at the start of each day and after each use. There will be separate hand towels available for each client / user of the bathroom. There will be a soap dispenser as well as a soap bar for use.
Have I made provision for the possibility of the client falling ill during the session and consequently requiring assistance?
Clients will be asked about their general health before booking a face to face session. We will ask the client for a contact number for someone who could be contacted in case of an emergency (next of kin possibly) who could collect them should they become ill during a session. If the client requires medical assistance then the Emergency Services will be contacted.
Have I ensured that all required safety measures are in place (i.e. hand cleansing facilities, both before and after each session; correct social distancing throughout the entire session etc.)?
Yes, we will do a full deep clean before reopening for face to face sessions.
Each day the setting will be disinfected throughout all areas that a client has access to.
All doors and handles, therapy chairs, bathroom facilities will be disinfected after each client.
Clients will have individual hand towels in the bathroom which will be washed each day.
Therapy chairs will be arranged to meet social distancing requirements
Both Chris Hoare and Nikki Hoare will wear protective gloves for the session and keep all physical contact to a minimum. Consent will, as always, be requested before any contact is used.
Face shields will be worn by the hypnotherapist. The client is not requested to wear face masks during the session as this will obscure the therapist’s view for monitoring purposes.
Clients will be asked to sign that they are aware of and abide by our safeguarding policy for Covid-19.
Has the client fully considered the inherent risks in travelling both to and from my practice location?
We would ask the client, before booking a face to face session, how they would be getting to our setting. If they are using public transport then check that they are fully aware of guidelines to wear masks and possibly use other PPE as well as social distancing.
Also ask are they permitted to travel in relation to their age and any ongoing health issues.
Have I fully taken account of both the client's age and any known pre-existing health issues?
We will be asking the clients about their health, and whether they are permitted to go out / travel in relation to their health. Have they had any symptoms relating to covid-19 in the last two weeks, or any contact with others displaying symptoms of covid-19 in the last two weeks, before any face to face appointment is made for them.
Have either I or members of my household displayed any of the publicised symptoms of the onset of coronavirus within the last 14 days?
Both Chris Hoare and Nikki Hoare have been clear of all symptoms for the duration of lock down. Neither of them has been in contact with anyone with the symptoms up to the date of writing this. If either come into contact with anyone with the symptoms then they will both go into self quarantine for 14 days from notification.
Do the particular needs of the client outweigh the risks involved in face-to-face therapy?
Yes, for example...
Clients needing support with concerns, anxiety and stress of going back to work or coping with day to day issues due to the effects of Covid-19.
Supporting mental health issues and well-being that have arisen or become worse due to the emotional effects of Covid-19