The Ear Health ClinicUpdated 1-March-2022
The Ear Health Clinic continues to follow the latest guidance and uses all current NHS guidelines to operate safely as an essential health care provider.
A lot of thought and care has gone into the operating of the Ear Health Clinic to reduce the risks to both patients and myself.
I am following guidance from ENT UK, the professional body which provides support and guidelines for Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors and Nurses Nationally, in both the NHS and private sectors.
Safety Measures
We aim to operate a one in and one out system, so please don't be offended if we don't let you in until the patient before you has left. To assist with this we have extended the appointment times to further minimise exposure between patients, and to allow for enhanced decontamination of the room and equipment between appointments.
The clinician will continue to wear a facemask.
If you or a member of your household has had any symptoms of covid 19 (New cough, fever, loss of smell) within the last 14 days we would ask you to postpone your appointment. Information to arrange a covid 19 test is available from www.gov.uk. Further information help and advice is available from www.nhs.uk.
Finally, if possible, please attend the clinic alone unless a carer or guardian is required.
Guidance from ENT UK released 20/05/20 Microsuction (abbreviated)
“The external ear canal is not virus bearing. Micro-suction of the external ear canal therefore should not generate risk of COVID-19 transmission from the ear canal if the tympanic membrane is intact, and it is not considered an AGP (aerosol generating procedure) with respect to COVID-19 transmission.
BSO (British Society of Otology), consistent with the advice from UK’s audiology professional bodies, recommend asking the patient to wear a fluid resistant mask during microsuction to reduce aerosol in the clinic room.
When undertaking micro-suction or dewaxing in the presence of an intact tympanic membrane (no perforation) the 2-metre social distancing guideline will be breached. Appropriate PPE is required (fluid resistant mask, disposable gloves and apron) and to maintain reasonable distance the use of an operating microscope, or video-endoscope with remote screen is likely to be safest.” www.entuk.org