Hartley Dental Practice Re-opening!
I am delighted to confirm, that we are able to re-open the Practice from 08/06/2020. However, I am not so delighted to report that we are under some severe restrictions with regards the treatments we can perform and how we operate the Practice.I apologise in advance for the length and detail included in this update, but it is imperative that I inform you of these things to ensure we are all safe in the Practice.
Clinicians Working:
Myself, Lauren & Emma will be working during the week commencing 08/06/2020. I will not be able to complete the 'normal' treatments to which you are accustomed, but will be able to complete healthy mouth reviews and manage any pain or discomfort you may have. The team will also be able to set up video consultations for those of you who are shielding. During the first week, I will see patients who have immediate needs and I will be in touch with you to book those appointments shortly.Dean and Janie are returning to work from the 15/06/2020, to honour appointments already booked and book appointments for patients who are due to see a Hygienist or have been due during the period we have been closed. Dean will be working extra time on a Wednesday to help us 'catch up' and Janie is in the process of sorting her childcare arrangements to allow her to also complete extra work time, to make sure we continue to deliver the services to the highest level possible. Please also note that the hygienists are banned from using the hand pieces, so hand scaling will be performed, along with the usual preventative advice and guidance.How will we book those appointments for you? Please see below!
Contacting the Practice:
I would ask that you try and avoid deluging the front of house team with phone calls in the first instance, due to the restricted nature of the treatments we are able to offer - we will contact you to book those appointments in due course. The exception to this is if you have pain, trauma or swelling - then please do call! If you have any other more general queries, please email team@hartleydental.co.uk in the first instance, rather than call us direct. The logistics & cleaning processes involved in operating the Practice in the first stages of re-opening, are extensive and I would personally ask for your understanding for a short period, whilst we find our feet and these severe restrictions are still in place.
Before You Visit:
You will be asked that you complete your medical history electronically where possible (see the patient portal information below). This is to help avoid 'person to person' contact as far as is reasonably possible in the practice.A member of the team will contact you the day before your appointment. This is so a pre-appointment questionnaire can be completed to ensure it is safe for you to visit the Practice. If we cannot contact you, your appointment will unfortunately need to be re-booked. We will confirm this in writing at the time. Please do be aware that this is a mandatory requirement, laid down by our regulators.You will be sent a pre-treatment consent form. This is to ensure that you are aware of the processes we are following in the Practice & that you are happy to attend. This will be sent via email where possible. You can then simple reply to that email saying you understand and are happy to come in, or otherwise.When the team contact you prior to your appointment, they will answer any questions that you have.
Patient Portal:
We are moving away from all types of paper based communication. This is a mandatory infection control procedure. Due to this, once an appointment is booked for you at the Practice, we would encourage you to complete your medical history via the patient portal by the following this link.However, if your email address is assigned to more than one person in the system (husband & wife, children etc), you will be prompted to call the Practice. Please do so and the team will advise you of the next steps. You can only complete your medical history in the patient portal, once an appointment is booked for you.We will also no longer be accepting cash or cheque as a payment method. I would very much like payments to be made via PayPal or stripe (patient portal) or via BACS. This is to again, reduce person to person contact. If you are insistent on paying by card, the team will accommodate this with social distancing measures in place.
Social Distancing Measures:
The team have rearranged our waiting room, to allow for 2 metre social distancing at all times & have removed all non essential items (including the coffee machine I'm afraid...) from that area.Please attend the Practice alone, unless it is with a parent/guardian or carer. Also, please only enter via the rear door, which is via the Lovell road entrance.Hand sanitiser is available upon entering & exiting the Practice & I would ask you to ensure you use it upon entry AND exit.
When you have entered the Practice, please sit on the designated seats available. Please wait until you are escorted into the surgery. Emma and the team will be there as usual to greet you. Please only arrive 5 minutes before your allotted appointment time.
Other Information:
If you have hay fever, please ensure you have taken your medication before you come to the practice. This is to help avoid sneezing within the premises.Use of the toilets will be restricted. Please try and ensure you do not need to routinely use the toilet, during your visit.I have been simply overwhelmed by the supportive messages I and the team have received. We are all truly grateful for your continued loyalty, support and understanding.I cannot wait to get the Practice up and running again & look forward to seeing you soon! Please click here to see a short video update from me, about what we have done in the Practice!Best,Charlie.