With the latest federal and state government announcements and requests from frontline medical staff to #stayhome in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, I can no longer see that offering face-to-face consultations in my clinic is responsible practice. Despite always maintaining a high level of infection control, beyond what is prescribed in the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Infection Control Training for health professionals, it seems higher level precautions to keep everyone safe are required now with the use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE), temperature monitoring and most importantly social distancing. As a stand alone clinician, I don’t have the capacity to provide all of this myself in a situation with close contact.
I know that for many of you, your acupuncture consultation with me as an allied health professional is essential to your ability to function or manage your health. I take this responsibility extremely seriously. This decision is not taken as complying with the minimum level of responsibility I can, but rather doing what I believe is right for you and our community. As I close my doors to the physical clinic at House of Prana (for now), I want to assure you that there is a plan in place to continue your care with the myriad of treatment styles that Chinese Medicine has to offer. You are not alone. I am still here for you. And I have a bigger bag of strategies than you could imagine.
If you have an appointment booked with me I will be in touch with you this week.
The thing is, acupuncture is only one part of Chinese Medicine. Those of you who already attend appointments with me know that a large part of my consultations involve diet, lifestyle and herbal strategies. Some of you have had moxibustion (that herbal stick) and acupressure homework. There is still so much more I can teach you to do in your home accompanied by appropriate prescriptions. In fact, you are likely to learn more about Chinese Medicine for your health condition and be empowered with self-care strategies that are individualised to you. Better still, you can attend the appointment in the comfort of your own home, while self-isolating for the good of the community. The small number of you who haven’t managed to learn to love needles can avoid them, for now.
I plan to bring you two styles of health support:
- Telehealth consultations (with a delivery service for herbs, teas and other prescribed items)
- A webinar series
Most of you know I have been lecturing and writing courses in Chinese Medicine for years and the chance to be able to share my knowledge with you through online consultations and webinars gives you access to more information that you can use in your home to benefit your own health.
Currently, I am putting everything into place to ensure that both of these services are both professional and run smoothly so that your care is continued seamlessly. Please indulge me with a few more days to organise these services for you. But do contact me if you need assistance before you hear from me.
For now, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, this website and your emails if you are subscribed to my mailing list for updates, tips and some lighthearted distractions too.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge that a lot of you and the people you know are hurting right now. Please reach out if I can help. If you need support for your mental health please contact these Lifeline: 13 11 14, BeyondBlue: 1300 224 636 or Headspace: 1800 650 890.
I’m wishing each and everyone of you all the best right now. Stay home, wash your hands, stay in contact with friends and loved ones, be well and keep an eye out for further updates.
To book an appointment online at the Launceston acupuncture clinic or for further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture). Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), Chinese Medicine and natural health.
Like this:
Like Loading...
