We are open

Keeping you safe – your new patient journey.

Our team has always had your wellbeing as our priority. You can rest assured that we’re experienced in keeping our practice spotlessly clean and our stringent decontamination processes have been in place for years. Due to Covid-19 we have put extra measures in place. Here are some instructions for what will happen when you visit.

Before your appointment

We will carry out a personalised risk assessment for you, and you may be contacted by a member of the clinical team so that we may understand fully what arrangements your procedure may require. You will be asked to complete a new medical history form and a Covid-19 risk assessment form. We will take payment for your treatment over the telephone.

On the day

The front door will be locked when you arrive so we can operate safely. If using public transport, please practice social distancing and wear a face covering. Ensure you have been to the toilet, are well hydrated and have brushed your teeth before leaving home. We will not be using our waiting rooms and toilet facilities.

Please come for your appointment alone unless you need an accompanying person. Please do not bring valuable items as we will ask you to leave your possessions in a box outside the surgery. Call us from your car when you have arrived or text your name to 07719 655279. If you are on foot please wait to be called in at the front entrance to the practice.

Entering our practice

We will call you in when it is time for your appointment We will take your temperature at the door You will be asked to sanitise your hands and we will check your Covid -19 status. You may be provided with a mask Our reception team will be wearing masks and visors for added protection. We will have distance markers on the floor to ensure safe distancing.

Please observe social distancing rules at all times whilst inside the building Our practice will look very bare in order for us to carry out deep cleaning with ease.

Treatment room

All treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected between patients. You will be asked to leave your coat and bag in the box provided. You will be asked to wash your hands with soap and water before and after. Our team will be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE)

You may be asked to swill with a special mouthwash for one minute depending on the procedure.

16/07/2021

Dear Patients and Friends of the practice,

What a pleasure it is to be writing to you whilst the sun is finally shining. It is amazing how much difference that can make to our mood, and we certainly need it after the last year, with Covid, the rain and then the football!!

We wanted to update you with regard to the practice following the announcements about easing of restrictions on the 19^th of July 2021. There will be no immediate change to our current operating procedures as the recommendations are that precautions are unchanged in healthcare settings. This means that we will continue with social distancing, hand sanitising, and mask wearing within the practice. The current patient journey will remain unchanged, with completion of your Covid-19 questionnaire prior to an appointment. We will also continue with all the additional cross infection precautions which we have introduced in the light of the pandemic. Your safety is and always has been paramount in the way we operate, and we will continue to take all precautions in spite of the wear and tear on our brilliant team!

There may be some of you who feel that this is not necessary but we would ask you to read the letter below from the British Dental Association to the Prime Minister concerning this matter.

https://www.bda.org/advice/Coronavirus/Documents/joint-letter-to-prime-minister-mandatory-facemasks-14-jul-21.pdf

The Scottish Chief Dental Officer has indicated that we are expecting a National review of Infection Control Procedures in August with new recommendations in September 2021. We will then act accordingly and in line with the guidance.

We completed our quality award inspection digitally for the first time yesterday and our practice manager Karina, ably assisted by Head Nurse Mary-Anne, excelled herself, so that we passed with flying colours- very well-done ladies and congratulations to all of the team who make this possible.

If you are unsure or have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Yours sincerely.

Andrew and Kate Pritchard