Covid 19

Covid Risk Assessment 

Overview
In order to ensure that we reduce the risk of infection between therapist and client, it is important that certain procedures are assessed, and measures put in place to reduce infection risk. The matters to consider for each individual client are the same, but there are also some general procedures that are to be adopted. However, the outcome of that risk assessment may be very different and it may be that it is not appropriate for some clients to resume face to face sessions at this time due to vulnerabilities that increase risk of harm.

It is important that we are transparent about our risk assessment process because you, as a client, have a part of play in the risk process. As a result, we must trust you and your ability to be equally as transparent.

We are acutely aware of obligations with regard to duty of care toward all clients, and in the current pandemic the interpretation of that duty becomes less obvious. For example, whilst the therapist’s duty of care towards your mental health remains the same, their duty towards your physical health and safety has now changed.

The pandemic and risk of infection requires that we consider the risk of infection and, in addition, your mental health as a result of the risks and restrictions that the pandemic brings. It may not be reasonable or appropriate to offer a face to face session to some clients even after all possible precautions have been taken to reduce infection. The therapist reserves the right to make this decision based on the facts at their disposal.

Risk Assessment

Physical safety and risk of infection 

1. Reducing risk of contamination and spread before/during/after a session.

ACTION: 

• Each room will be cleaned and disinfected before appointments.
• The therapy chairs, table, doorbell and other surfaces will be wiped down with antibacterial 
• wipes.
• Clients are welcome to use the toilet 
• Wipes are available to clean down the door handle, toilet seat, flush area, taps and sink after 
• use.
• The therapist will open and close any doors with a clean tissue or wipe and use hand sanitiser.​
• After each client leaves, windows and doors left open for at least 5 minutes to air the room.
• Paper towels will be available for the washing & drying of hands
• A wipe should be used to open the toilet door after using the facilities.
• Clients should bring their own drinking water (or alternative).
• Hand sanitiser and tissues are available throughout the session for clients to use 

2. PPE of therapist and client

ACTION:

Hand sanitiser and tissues will be available throughout the session

3. Social distancing in relation to entering/leaving and seating arrangements 

ACTION:

• The therapist will open the door fully and step back to allow the client to cross the threshold safely
• Hand sanitiser will be available for the client to use on arrival.
• Chairs will be 2 metres apart where possible.
• On leaving, the therapist will open doors be followed by the client – maintaining social distance wherever possible.

4. Session length - impact of time spent in therapy room

ACTION:

• In order to allow sufficient time to properly disinfect the room before the next client, from this point on, all face-to-face session times will last for 50 minutes. 
• Some therapy methods may require more time but this will be agreed between the therapist and client.

5. Ongoing Review

ACTION:

Each party holds an obligation to be aware of and report to the other, any factors which may occur which could increase the risk of infection during the time face to face sessions. 

Please complete the covid assessment form below prior to each session and either bring it with you or email it to us.