Player information for return of Physiotherapy services

Player information for return of Physiotherapy services

In light of current COVID-19 pandemic, return of Physiotherapy services for Banbridge RFC will be different to previous years, to ensure the safety of player and Physiotherapist alike.

Any player who requires Physiotherapy input should contact Club Physiotherapist, Hannah Eadie, on 07526436761 (text/whatsapp) or FB Messenger to arrange appointment. There will be a ‘Virtual First’ policy for all non-emergency contacts where initial assessment will be carried out by telephone or virtually (Zoom, Messenger Rooms etc) at a prearranged date & time.

Following this, exercises and advice may be provided for self-management, with remote follow up as required.

Face to face appointments will be offered as required, with individual clinical reasoning for each in line with BRFC Physiotherapy Risk Assessment.

Should the Physiotherapist feel a face to face consultation is required, this will be arranged with the player. Face to face appointments will be offered in 30 minute time slots. Should a player be late, the appointment may be cancelled to allow for future appointments to run to schedule.

Anyone attending for Physiotherapy will be required to complete the ‘Physiotherapy Appointment’ COVID-19 self-declaration form on the day of the appointment. This includes the guardian accompanying any player under 16 into the clinical room. Should the player answer ‘Yes’ to any of self-declaration questions or anyone in their household experience any symptoms, they should contact the Physiotherapist to cancel the appointment and seek advice from COVID officer or appropriate medical advice as deemed appropriate. If also attending training, you need to fill in BOTH forms. We apologise for the duplication, but it assists administration and allows clarity for clinical notes that the declaration is complete.

Any face to face consultation will take place in club office/medical room. All players over 16 years of age should attend alone. Players under 16 may attend with one parent/guardian.

When a player arrives for face to face consultation, they should contact the Physiotherapist (text/whatsapp/messenger) re their arrival and wait in their car. Once the clinical area is clean and ready, the Physiotherapist will contact them to come to medical room. No player should wait by pitch area or in hallway of clubhouse. Only the Physiotherapist and player/guardian will be permitted into clinical room. No other club members will be permitted entry.

Any person attending a face to face consultation is required to wear a face covering. A face mask cannot be provided. The Physiotherapist will also be wearing appropriate PPE (gloves, apron, mask). Failure to wear face covering, unless medically exempt, will result in cancellation of appointment.

2m distancing will be maintained where possible, however for some elements of assessment this may be reduced.

The clinical area will be cleaned prior to and following each appointment. Stringent hand hygiene will be completed by the Physiotherapist, with players required to sanitise hands prior to appointment and again when leaving. If the player is not going on to train that evening, they must return directly to their car and leave club premises.

For some, active rehab may be indicated, which will involve alternative face to face consultation outdoors. The player involved will not require face covering; distancing will be maintained and active rehab will take place in area designated as appropriate by COVID officer James Magowan.

The clinical reasoning and decision making of the Physiotherapist is focussed on patient-centred care, safety for all involved, evidence-based practice and in accordance with BRFC Physiotherapy Risk Assessment.