Freedom Day - what's your plan?

If all goes according to plan, 19th July is the date from which a further significant easing of England's Covid-19 restrictions will occur (alternative dates apply for the other principalities but the same considerations apply).

There is already confusion and debate as to the decisions that people will take, as they go about their lives, to protect themselves and those around them.

It is realistic to assume that confusion will extend to what will happen when patients visit a dental practice from 19th onwards.

I have three questions to ask this morning:

1. Will there be any changes to your patient journey protocols as a result? What will stay the same and what will change?

2. How do you intend to inform your patients over the next 2 weeks?

3. How do you intend to inform your team and conduct any required training?

On the first question, I am already in conversation with clients as to what they intend to "bring back" (insofar as the pre-Covid patient journey is concerned) and, more interestingly, what they intend to "leave the same" as the lockdown journey has become so much more efficient.

One client has already suggested that their waiting room and reception are abolished and patients are greeted, one at a time at the door, by dedicated team members who escort them to "their surgery".

Of course that will not be possible for all - but it begs a number of soul-searching questions over the days ahead.

Tuesday evening is my weekly live call with clients and we will be debating the "post-Freedom Day patient journey" at 19:00 this evening.

You would do well to book some time for the same.