It's hard to think that this time last year we were preparing to go into lockdown. It was strange that after 27 years of running a practice that, when lockdown started, it was the first time that I had had significant time off from treating patients. I swapped treating patients for gardening and doing all those little jobs that never get done because I was always busy at work. It also reaffirmed that I'm not quite ready to retire from treating patients any time soon!
On returning to work in late July it was, and is, different. Covid protocols have certainly affected the way we can work, resulting in reduced appointment availability and services we can offer. It has increased health, safety, and mental health awareness for staff and patients, not to mention the amount of PPE disinfectant and hand sanitiser we've gone through!
Lockdown has also resulted in altered working practices. Furthermore, there has been an increase in patients developing upper back and neck injuries from working at home in non-ergonomic workspaces. Please speak to us if you are having bother as a result. There has also been an increase in over-use injuries from walking and exercising more.
Conversations during treatment regarding social activities have also changed. It is no longer about where did you go out this weekend or holiday plans, but what box set or tv programme did you watch!
Looking on the bright side, the vaccination program has been increasing. As a healthcare worker I was lucky to be offered the Pfizer vaccine and received my first vaccination on February 5th. Vaccination is the way out of this pandemic, so please say “yes” to vaccination if you are offered it.
Stay safe,
Andy