To support you in the transition of adapting your practice in line with the current government legislation surrounding COVID-19, we have pulled together sources of information and created resources that we hope you will find helpful.
Please note that some of the resources provided in this section are exclusively available to iO members only.
Clinic Posters & Infographics
Produced by the iO, these posters can be downloaded for use within your clinic to provide helpful information to patients, as well as assuring them about the changes being made to your practice.
- COVID-19 patient poster
- Adapting your practice: A guide and checklist
- Use of PPE for osteopathic practice
- Patient assurance in clinic
Template Letters/Forms
- COVID-19 Vaccine Template Letter – If you wish to receive the vaccine, you may want to write to your GP surgery and/or local trust to register your occupation as registered healthcare practitioner for inclusion in the vaccination programme under category 2b. To support you in this process, we have produced a template letter which you can personalise to make this request.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Template Letter (Scotland Version) – Template letter for use by those osteopaths operating in Scotland who wish to register for the COVID-19 vaccine.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Template Letter (Wales Version) – Template letter for use by those osteopaths operating in Wales who wish to register for the COVID-19 vaccine.
- iO – Key Worker Status Letter – To support those seeking to access education for their children as a key worker, we have produced a template letter which can be used to confirm osteopaths’ status, which we hope will facilitate those making a case for access to education.
- iO Test and Trace Template Letter
- COVID-19: pre-screening/triage form
Legal, financial and employment advice and support
Below we have pulled together a list of organisations and resources for anyone who is experiencing difficulties as a result of COVID-19 and needs legal, financial or employment advice and support.
During what is a stressful and challenging time for many, we recommend that you seek expert advice on your situation, as often support and frameworks are in place to be able to guide you during this time.
The Additional Restrictions Grant is operated by local councils on a discretionary basis to support businesses that are not covered by any other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed as a result of COVID-19 hardship. Click here to check your eligibility.
Set-up to provide those who have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, a small but welcome amount that they can use for essentials until they can access more established support. Click here to apply.
If you will suffer a significant profit reduction, including as a result of parental responsibilities, you can apply for up to £7,500, through grant 3. Applications need to be made before the 29 Jan. To apply, click here.
Use this business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business. Available here.
A public legal information website run by Law for Life. Information on most areas of law such as family, benefits, housing, employment, immigration etc. can be found here.
Free debt advice for self-employed and small businesses in areas such as business debts, personal debts and cashflow problems. This service, run by the charity Money Advice Trust, provides advice through guides, budget tools as well as over the phone. For more information, click here.
A charity which provides free independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Areas include healthcare, education, law and rights, discrimination etc. For more information, click here.
Specifically for the South East, London and Nottingham. The Fru provides free representation in employment and social security hearings. You have to be referred to use their service, but a list of referral agencies is available via their website. For more information, click here.
A charity providing free legal advice through a network of pro-bono clinics. For more information, click here.
Another service run by the Money Advice Trust providing free debt service advice for people and families. For more information, click here.
An organisation supporting and advising on whistle-blowing situations. Protect Advice provide a free advice line and have a section on workers’ rights during COVID-19. For more information, click here.
A charity giving practical housing advice and support both online and over the phone on everything from mortgage arrears to evictions and finding a place to sleep. For more information, click here.
You might be able to get a payment of £500 if you’ve been told to self-isolate because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and you cannot work from home. To find out more and whether you are eligible, click here.
NCOR: Guide to self-management and care for those with symptoms of COVID-19 – published 30 March 2020. Also check updated information on the symptoms of Coronavirus and actions that should be taken if you suspect a case of COVID-19.
Evidence: Osteopathy and COVID-19 – published 14 April 2020
The National Council of Osteopathic Research conducted a quick review of current evidence on osteopathy and COVID-19. Their full review can be found on their website by clicking here.
In addition, the European Federation and Forum of Osteopathy issued a statement on behalf of all its member countries. Read the full statement by clicking here.
Useful links and information
- The NHS has published a new public information webpage with information on the COVID-19 vaccine
- Osteopaths Embracing Telehealth – Case Studies
- Health & Safety – Guidance & Policy for osteopaths
- WHO: The 6-step technique to sanitising your hands
- Public Health England: Resources to help inform how you can stop the spread of Coronavirus
- GOsC: Interim guidance on infection control in osteopathy during COVID-19 pandemic
- GOsC: Update on osteopathic practice
- iO Wellbeing Hub
PPE Suppliers
IMPORTANT: The organisations listed below are suppliers of PPE, publication here does not infer endorsement by the iO. We cannot provide assurances on supply and or quality and would recommend that you make appropriate checks directly with the suppliers.
Belloost – Medical Grade Pillow Covers
IMPORTANT: Once your order has been received, we strongly advise that you check that the box and / or masks are labelled as the correct grade i.e. IIR masks should be labelled as such.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relating to osteopathic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.