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Hi,

I've been approached by a Physio who is expanding her clinic and would like a Podiatrist on board. She has added a room onto her clinic which is proving to be a very successful business.

The problem I have, (I am a new grad), it is a carpeted room and there are no facilities in the room and she says none can be added. Apparently the room can be overlayed with washable flooring which is fine but there is no sink even for handwashing nevermind sterilisation although I was plannig to use disposable instruments initially. I mentioned to her about the SOCAP standards and the necessity for a sink, but she told me the standards are just guidelines and that you work with what you have i.e. handgel, until you go down the corridor to the sink. This has left me feeling very uncomfortable as I have very high standards when it comes to infection control and personal hygeine and don't really want to drop before I even get started.

I suppose my question is - is she right? are they just guidelines and am I wrong in my thinking?

Any guidance would gratefully received.

Thanks

Sam

 

Would that be SOCAP: "Mininum Standards for Clinical Practice"? Title says it all.
I also have hand gel (as well as a working sink!) the bottles say "kills 99% of all germs" That 1% is the bit you need to worry about. :D Hand washing isn't 100% either which is why you should use gloves.
It is your reputation that will be tarnished/destroyed if you don't follow "good practice"
Disposable instruments? Well most of the ones I've tried were low quality. I know a bad workman blames his tools but ask any carpenter or surgeon about poor tools/intruments.
I suggest you negotiate further.

Happy New Year!

Tom

 

Thanks so much for the reply Tom and also thanks for confirming my thoughts. I know its really common sense but just wanted confirmation.

I've now gone back to her, so the ball is in her court now.

Thanks again

Happy New Year when it comes

Sam

 

Well, they Physio came back to me and she is not fitting sinks so its a no go for me :( No sink for handwashing (one in toilet down the corridor and no facilities for sterilising).

I've also been in touch with other places to rent and having sinks fitted seems to be a HUGE issue. Has anyone else come across this?

I keep being told that I should just start my business and sort this issue out once I have built clientele. I am being made to feel like I am stupid for wanting water in my room!!!! Arghhhhh! Think I might just look for a job instead!

 

Have a look at minimum standards on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists web site. I an sure that they would expect hand washing facilities. You can obtain sinks which do not require plumbing.

All the best

Bill Liggins

 

Funny you say that Bill, thats exactly what Im doing now :D I've found a few sinks which may be suitable.

I would have though all Health Professionals needed direct access to water, for at the very least, handwashing but it seems around here that many do not have it in their consulting room and use handgels instead!!! It seems that practices are not checked out when they open up so people can do what they like!

Thanks for the advice

Sam

 

Hi Bambam

I have been in practice for 20 years, half of which is private practice.

It is daunting to start your own practice, but one thing I woudn't do is rent a room with no washing facilities, it is just not worth it. However I have looked into this before, you can buy portable sinks which range from around £3-400 second hand to anywhere up to £1k new, but you should consider whether it is money you want to spend.

Good luck