For over a year our freedom has been curtailed to keep Covid at bay, but it’s looking highly likely that many of the restrictions will be lifting on 19th July in England.

This, like most of the pandemic, has sparked debate across the country; some cannot wait to get back to some form of normality, others feel it’s too soon and are anxious about the road ahead. With daily cases having doubled in a week and the most recent headlines, stating that Leeds hospital is postponing elective operations due to a rise in Covid 19 patients, it is understandable that many people are still being cautious.

I have spent my week looking at our current patient journey and reviewing how we can introduce a bit more ‘normality’ here at the practice. It is important to bear in mind that the pandemic has brought with it many changes that are here to stay such as pre medical questionnaires which has sped up the check in process and video consultations reducing the need to travel to the practice.

There are some changes that we are longing to see the back of, but many of these are unlikely to disappear in healthcare anytime soon – things such as wearing masks around the building by both the team and clients, and the increased level of PPE worn by the team.

Many of you will be longing for the return of a lovely chat with our team members at the practice whilst you wait for your appointment, whilst others will still be wishing to wait outside.

It is important to remember that our practice will be both guided by the ‘best practice’ standards of our governing associations and YOU – our clients. We all need to be mindful and respectful of each others opinions and choices.

This next phase will see us continually adapting our services to provide an experience to you – the client – with which you feel comfortable, and meets the standards given to us by our governing bodies.

Whatever happens, it’s important to remember that, as a community, we can get through this next chapter together – happily and healthily.