How we are working to keep you safe

Ensuring your safety and comfort at Eight Branches Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

At Eight Branches, we are committed to providing a welcoming, non-clinical environment for your acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments. We’ve made some essential changes to ensure your safety while maintaining the same high standard of care. These adjustments follow government guidelines and the recommendations of the British Acupuncture Council and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine.

While the treatment environment may look a little different, we want to assure you that the heart of your experience remains unchanged. You can expect the same professionalism, a warm welcome, and a relaxing space for your treatments.

Key changes for your safety

Consultations and social distancing

To prioritise your safety, we’ve adapted our consultation process. While social distancing may not always be possible during your appointment, we’ve placed chairs 2 metres apart where feasible. Some parts of the consultation will now be conducted via video conferencing, phone, or email, including the health questionnaire to assess your suitability for treatment. For new patients, the initial consultation will be conducted remotely, followed by an in-person follow-up for acupuncture or herbal medicine treatments.

Increased time between appointments

Appointments are now spaced out with 30-minute intervals to ensure there is only one person in the building at any time. This also allows for thorough cleaning and sanitizing between treatments, keeping the clinic environment safe for all visitors.

Meet and greet protocol

When you arrive, I will greet you at the door to ensure safety and hygiene. All doors will be opened by me, except for the restroom. Your temperature will also be taken with a remote thermometer before entry to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Hygiene measures

Hand hygiene has always been a top priority, but extra procedures are now in place. Upon arrival, please wash your hands with soap and use hand sanitizer. You’ll also be asked to place your shoes in a plastic box, and your coat and bag will be stored in a separate disinfected box.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

I will be wearing PPE during your treatment to ensure mutual safety. A medical mask and sometimes a visor will be worn throughout the appointment, with healthcare-approved clothing that’s cleaned at high temperatures daily. Gloves will only be used if necessary.

Changes to treatment comfort

Towels used for warmth during treatments will no longer be available; however, you are welcome to bring your own. We will provide foil blankets, which will be strictly for individual use and stored safely for your next visit.

Ventilation and cleaning

To maintain a well-ventilated environment, windows will be kept open throughout the day, weather permitting. If not possible, doors and windows will be opened between treatments for fresh air. Upholstered furniture in the waiting area has been removed or covered with plastic to facilitate cleaning. The waiting area will now be used only when social distancing can be observed.

Temporary suspension of complimentary beverages

For the time being, I am unable to provide beverages before or after your appointment. You are welcome to bring your own, and I will work to make refreshments available again as soon as possible.

How you can help keep Eight Branches safe

Masks and face coverings

All patients are required to wear a medical mask for the duration of their treatment. If you do not have one, a mask is available for purchase for £1.50.

Symptom assessment and consent

Before your appointment, I will contact you to check if you have any symptoms, such as cough, fever, or loss of smell. If you are in a high-risk group, please be extra vigilant about these symptoms. You will need to complete and return a consent form before your treatment, either electronically or in person, and inform me if you develop symptoms within 14 days after your visit.

Appointment time

To maintain a safe environment, I cannot accommodate early or late arrivals at this time. Please arrive promptly for your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive early, kindly stay in your car until your appointment time, and I will let you know if I can accommodate you sooner. If you are delayed, please contact me in advance to reschedule.

Coughing and sneezing etiquette

Please bring disposable tissues for coughing or sneezing. If you do not have tissues, kindly cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow to minimise the spread of germs.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Eight Branches safe and welcoming for everyone. By following these measures, we can continue to provide you with the highest quality of care in a safe and comfortable environment.