Intercare keeps patients, doctors and staff safe during COVID-19.
Screening
Patients are asked to report any known exposure to COVID-19 or symptoms to allow us to assist them appropriately, including at the time of the appointment and arrival at the facility.
All staff and healthcare professionals are screened for symptoms daily, at the beginning and end of every shift. Anyone who develops symptoms are immediately tested and sent home.
Facility disinfection protocols
General areas within the facility are cleaned multiple times per day using hospital-grade protocols. High contact surfaces in doctors’ rooms, including beds, equipment, doorknobs and armrests of chairs, are cleaned between patient consultations.
All toys, magazines, coffee machines and brochures have been removed from the facilities.
Infection control measures
Screens have been set up at the reception desks for your protection and that of our staff. Where possible, waiting areas have been designated for those with COVID-19 symptoms and those without. Isolation rooms have been set up in each facility for those patients at a high risk of having COVID-19.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All staff is provided with PPE, according to both local and international guidelines, and the level of equipment used is dependent on the staff member’s activities. Patients with high-risk symptoms are provided with a mask, should they not have one.
Alternative access options
Intercare has launched a virtual consultation service to safely interact with patients, those with high-risk symptoms, as well as to reduce the exposure risk for those seeking care for chronic conditions, repeat scripts and minor health concerns.
Accountability
Patients are able to report any risks they observe while in the facility directly to the facility manager.
How can you play your part?
Our healthcare workers and staff members rely on you to help support infection prevention efforts in the facilities. You can do this through the following:
- Immediately report any symptoms or known contact with someone with or suspected of having COVID-19. Your honesty could save a life. Symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell or taste.
- Make regular use of the hand sanitizers which are available throughout the practice.
- Practice good respiratory hygiene by facing away from others when coughing or sneezing and doing so into your flexed elbow. Wash your hands every time after blowing your nose.
- Try and avoid using your mobile phone while in practice.
- Maintain 1.5m from staff and other patients wherever possible, including when reporting to reception and when seated in waiting rooms. Maintain one seat space between you and other patients in the waiting room, and use chairs facing away from each other if possible.
- Come in wearing a mask, if you have one. Ensure it is properly fitted and do not take it off when talking or coughing. Avoid touching the outside of the mask. Gloves may increase risk and we prefer patients to practice good hand hygiene rather than wear these items while in the facility.
It’s important to wear and remove a mask properly. Marc Mendelson, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, demonstrates mask techniques and explains how people can protect themselves and healthcare workers.
