On Sunday night, the state and the federal government had announced a mandatory closure of all non-essential services. At that time, Podiatry was placed neither in the non-essential or the essential categories.

I want to ensure that we all stay healthy and safe for ourselves, our families and our wider community. That is why I have decided to semi-close the clinic from Monday 23rd of March at 9 pm and will update you week by week on when we can open again with normal operating standards.

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Yesterday, Monday 23rd of March at 10 am, the ApodA (Australian Podiatry Association) had announced that Podiatry services are deemed essential and is recommended to continue running.

This does not change my decision to semi-close. I will be providing services for my high-risk patients, as this will assist the public healthcare system and ensure that these patients don’t end up overcrowding their system. The following types of patients that are considered ‘high-risk’ are:

• People living with Diabetes;

• People who have sustained fractures or falls;

• People who have ongoing wounds and require ongoing wound care and support;

• People who have toe and/or leg infections;

• People suffering from recurring ingrowing toenails;

• And more. If you are unsure if I can still help you, please feel free to give me a call on 0499 999 828.

These consultations can still be conducted in the clinic or as a home visit so long as you are still deemed well, and have not travelled in the last 14 days. I WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING WALK-INS, so please pre-book.

Please know that I am ensuring stringent infection control measures in the clinic as well as spacing out my patient appointments so there is at least a 15-minute gap in between patients to minimise contact between patients. If you do book in to see me in person, note that I will contact you to do screening as well as ensure that my schedule of patients isn’t bunched up together.

Infection control measures that we have put in place following COVID-19:

• Spacing out our chairs in the waiting room to ensure appropriate distancing;

• Hand sanitiser is recommended to be used before and after your appointment and lives in the waiting room;

• Removal of towels and pillows (will not be using them at all, sorry if you don’t feel as comfortable as usual!);

• Wiping down all doorknobs, pens and the EFTPOS machine after every patient;

• Every patient is spaced with 15 minutes in between each patient;

• We will recommend for you to come in right on your appointment time, rather than early/late;

• If your complaint does not require for me to be hands-on, I will recommend for us to do an online consultation instead (more below).

Infection control measures that I upkeep pandemic or no pandemic:

• Adhering to the 5 moments of hand hygiene (and more);

• Opening my consulting door for you;

• Wiping all my surfaces with medical-grade sanitisation wipes in between each consultation;

• Only using sterilised instruments;

• Wearing gloves when treating your skin and nail care;

• Wearing a mask during treatments;

• Vacuuming in between each consultation.

If you have pain in your legs or feet, but we have deemed that we can manage it through Online Consultations (through Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp), I will still be able to give you care through:

• exercise prescription advice

• write referrals for radiographic imaging

• teach you how to tape your feet/legs at home

• guide you on how to self-treat (or teach your children/partner to treat you!)

These appointments can be claimed through your private health insurance, and are discounted to $65 per session to help you through what can be a financially difficult time. You can book an online consultation here.

At the end of the day, we’re all in this together and 2 Right Feet Podiatry is no different. If you live in the Kilsyth area and need me to help grab a couple of groceries, medication or just need a bit of a chat, feel free to contact me on 0499 999 828.

Stay safe and see you soon.
Warm regards,
Jasmine & Taylor