Is it a patient’s responsibility to check that when they are visiting a therapist or practitioner in these unique “COVID” times that they are happy with the precautions that the practitioner has taken to ensure their safety? I think so.
This current climate is unique to us all and there is conflicting information daily about whether we should or should not wear masks and other protective gear.
What are your thoughts?
Does it matter to you whether your therapist is wearing a mask?
Would you like them to wear a mask if they aren’t?
Are all the required precautions in place? and what exactly does this mean for you?
This period is uncertain for us all and we need to make sure that we don’t entrust the whole responsibility for our safety onto our therapist or practitioner. (I’m sure that the majority are, like me, taking the safety of their clients very seriously) I was reminded by a friend today that we can sometimes find ourselves making assumptions when we should be questioning. She said that she often “just” trusts that her doctor, dentist, physio etc are working with her best intentions and wellbeing as their highest priority; so she didn’t think to question why her family weren’t asked to wear masks on recent trip to the dentist!
Between you and me, as therapist, I can not tell you the amount of paperwork work that I have been working through to ensure that when I am able to work face to face again I am keeping everyone safe; you, me and my family. Safety and the effectiveness of my service are my priority. I want to ensure that I am able to continue to practice and offer the support that my clients need too. I’ve guides from my professional bodies, insurance company and government risk assessments all of which are being completed. In talking to others I’m aware that not all share my views and many of this information is very much open to interpretation, as we well know. But, as individuals we need to take responsibility for our own safety and that of our families.
If you are going to see a therapist or practitioner do please check that you feel comfortable with the precautions that are being taken by them on your behalf. Are you being looked after and protected to their best ability?
Most of us, rightly, put our trust in the professionals who support us. My friend said, she trusts me!!! But I reminded her that she shouldn’t just accept that I have it right. This is new for me too; so question me, ask whether I am doing x, y and z. I hope that I will be in position to say with authority “yes I am” and that I am taking all precautions needed for you. But we all need to take responsibility for our own safety. Do not assume anything. Do not assume that because someone is in the position or perceived authority that they are getting it right.
Thankfully, we have “online” communication channels which allow me to continue to offer my service safely and effectively. Offering the support and change that my clients currently need. I hope to be able to return to face to face working in the foreseeable future (as I type I hear the government briefing in the background is allowing close contact workers to return from next Monday) and can assure you that when I do it will be within the guidelines set out by the Government and CNHC and other governing bodies that I am a member of.
I will continue to work with you in mind. I’m happy to answer any questions that you have about my plans to reopen face to face working but for now remain 100% online.
I look forward to hearing from you. Stay safe. x
