Covid-19 Update
Whilst we recognise that NHS patients can now receive the full range of NHS treatments, it is not business as usual.
Current restrictions means that the number of available patient appointments will be far lower that they were pre-COVID.
Additionally, as we have been unable to see patients for routine care for the past 12 months, we have a huge challenge in attending to the backlog of treatment. Our dental team is working hard to prioritise patients based on their oral health needs. Those with potential pain or tooth loss are treated first.
We understand and share your frustration of not being able to access your usual dental care. Patient and staff safety are our underlying priority. Many thanks for your patience while practices adapt to meet these new
Once we have overcome this challenging period, we will be able to return to some normality with regards the availability of appointments. However, we do not foresee this being possible for many months.
Therefore, we are asking you to ‘help us help you’ and be patient to allow us to work towards a return to pre-COVID times.
Emergency and urgent care will continue to be our first priority. We are always here for patients who really need us. Please contact us if you need to be seen as an emergency for:
Pain, infection/swelling, trauma or any worrying patch in the mouth
Now, more than ever, it is vital that we all take every care to look after our dental health at home every day. So, please do your best to protect your oral health. Twice daily toothbrushing and the restriction of sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes, are the cornerstones of good oral health.
5 Key Oral Health Messages for Self-Care
1. Toothbrushing
Twice daily for at least 2 minutes
Spit don’t rinse after brushing
2. Diet
Reduce consumption of sugar
Enjoy sweet treats at mealtimes only
3. Fluoride
Always use a fluoride toothpaste
4. Attendance
Attend as regularly as advised
5. Smoking
Contributes to poor gum health
Follow government recommendations
If you would like more information, useful resources are online as follows:
· General advice regarding Coronavirus: www.nhsinform.scot
· A short video describing NHS Dental Care: https://youtu.be/2BXCPJqIiqw
· Accessing dental care: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-dental-services
In order to limit the risks of Covid-19 transmission to patients, staff members and visitors we have had to make the following adjustments:
- Only 1 surgery will be operating with just 1 dentist and a limited number of staff members present
- We also have to limit the number of people coming to the practice and as a consequence can only see a reduced number of patients
- In order to limit access to the practice the front door will be locked and only patients with an appointment will be allowed to enter the premises
- Suspected Covid-19 or Covid-19 positive cases will also have to be referred to one of the UCCs, if triaging indicates that urgent/emergency dental treatment is required.
- If you wish to make an urgent appointment please phone or email the practice (contact details on practice website). Only if this is not possible should you come to the practice, in which case we would like to ask you to come to the waiting room window in the courtyard.
- When you arrive for your appointment please come to the waiting room window to get our attention. The receptionist will then let you in and we would like to ask you to clean your hands by using hand rub (provided). You may want to wear gloves/face mask especially if you are in the vulnerable patient group (your GP will have made you aware of this). You may also want to bring your own pen, in case you have to sign something although we will endeavour to avoid this if at all possible.
- At reception, please stand in front of the anti-sneeze guard/perspex screen rather than the side of the reception desk
- In the waiting room please try and adhere to the social distancing rule. In order to facilitate this, due to the small size of our waiting room, we will have to limit the access to the premises. This will mean that we won’t be able to let you in until the previous patient has left the practice.
- Please do not arrive for your appointment too early, as you may have to wait outside (see above).
- Please only come by yourself unless you are a child or you need a carer.
- Please leave any personal items such as handbags, newspapers/magazines/books, toys etc. at home
- If you need to use the toilet please ask a member of staff, as we have to make sure that it will be cleaned/disinfected immediately after each use which requires us to use and dispose of a set of PPE.
- Please consider paying contact less rather than cash
We also had a number of patients during lock down wanting to register with the practice. Unfortunately, due to the reduced capacity we are unable to accept any new patients until the situation normalises.
If you are not registered with a dentist and you need urgent dental care please contact the Dental Enquiry Line between 8:00 and 18:00 on 0845 300 0930, outwith those hours call NHS24 on 111.
Thank you very much.
Whilst we recognise that NHS patients can now receive the full range of NHS treatments, it is not business as usual.
Current restrictions means that the number of available patient appointments will be far lower that they were pre-COVID.
Additionally, as we have been unable to see patients for routine care for the past 12 months, we have a huge challenge in attending to the backlog of treatment. Our dental team is working hard to prioritise patients based on their oral health needs. Those with potential pain or tooth loss are treated first.
We understand and share your frustration of not being able to access your usual dental care. Patient and staff safety are our underlying priority. Many thanks for your patience while practices adapt to meet these new
Once we have overcome this challenging period, we will be able to return to some normality with regards the availability of appointments. However, we do not foresee this being possible for many months.
Therefore, we are asking you to ‘help us help you’ and be patient to allow us to work towards a return to pre-COVID times.
Emergency and urgent care will continue to be our first priority. We are always here for patients who really need us. Please contact us if you need to be seen as an emergency for:
Pain, infection/swelling, trauma or any worrying patch in the mouth
Now, more than ever, it is vital that we all take every care to look after our dental health at home every day. So, please do your best to protect your oral health. Twice daily toothbrushing and the restriction of sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes, are the cornerstones of good oral health.
5 Key Oral Health Messages for Self-Care
1. Toothbrushing
Twice daily for at least 2 minutes
Spit don’t rinse after brushing
2. Diet
Reduce consumption of sugar
Enjoy sweet treats at mealtimes only
3. Fluoride
Always use a fluoride toothpaste
4. Attendance
Attend as regularly as advised
5. Smoking
Contributes to poor gum health
Follow government recommendations
If you would like more information, useful resources are online as follows:
· General advice regarding Coronavirus: www.nhsinform.scot
· A short video describing NHS Dental Care: https://youtu.be/2BXCPJqIiqw
· Accessing dental care: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-dental-services
In order to limit the risks of Covid-19 transmission to patients, staff members and visitors we have had to make the following adjustments:
- Only 1 surgery will be operating with just 1 dentist and a limited number of staff members present
- We also have to limit the number of people coming to the practice and as a consequence can only see a reduced number of patients
- In order to limit access to the practice the front door will be locked and only patients with an appointment will be allowed to enter the premises
- Suspected Covid-19 or Covid-19 positive cases will also have to be referred to one of the UCCs, if triaging indicates that urgent/emergency dental treatment is required.
- If you wish to make an urgent appointment please phone or email the practice (contact details on practice website). Only if this is not possible should you come to the practice, in which case we would like to ask you to come to the waiting room window in the courtyard.
- When you arrive for your appointment please come to the waiting room window to get our attention. The receptionist will then let you in and we would like to ask you to clean your hands by using hand rub (provided). You may want to wear gloves/face mask especially if you are in the vulnerable patient group (your GP will have made you aware of this). You may also want to bring your own pen, in case you have to sign something although we will endeavour to avoid this if at all possible.
- At reception, please stand in front of the anti-sneeze guard/perspex screen rather than the side of the reception desk
- In the waiting room please try and adhere to the social distancing rule. In order to facilitate this, due to the small size of our waiting room, we will have to limit the access to the premises. This will mean that we won’t be able to let you in until the previous patient has left the practice.
- Please do not arrive for your appointment too early, as you may have to wait outside (see above).
- Please only come by yourself unless you are a child or you need a carer.
- Please leave any personal items such as handbags, newspapers/magazines/books, toys etc. at home
- If you need to use the toilet please ask a member of staff, as we have to make sure that it will be cleaned/disinfected immediately after each use which requires us to use and dispose of a set of PPE.
- Please consider paying contact less rather than cash
We also had a number of patients during lock down wanting to register with the practice. Unfortunately, due to the reduced capacity we are unable to accept any new patients until the situation normalises.
If you are not registered with a dentist and you need urgent dental care please contact the Dental Enquiry Line between 8:00 and 18:00 on 0845 300 0930, outwith those hours call NHS24 on 111.
Thank you very much.
|
Address
The Dental Surgery 36 High Street Peebles Scottish Borders EH45 8SF Tel: 01721 720532 |
Opening Hours:Monday 9.00 - 17.30
Tuesday 9.00 - 17.30 Wednesday 9.00 - 17.30 Thursday 9.00 - 17.30 Friday 9.00 - 17.30 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Please note that we are closed for lunch between 13.00 - 14.00. |
|
|
|