How this top Scottish clinic is putting the safety of its clients above all else
A-list cosmetic doctor Dr Nestor Demosthenous reveals how his award-winning Clinic will be slightly different for clients now that its doors have opened once again.
Dr Nestor, one of Scotland’s top aesthetic doctors, has worked alongside international experts in Aesthetic Medicine to co- author and publish guidelines for reopening aesthetic clinics, safely and responsibly. Here he gives us the inside track on the changes we should expect from his clinic.
Will you keep the online consultations now the Clinic has reopened?
Moving forward, we’ve realised that using video technology is incredibly useful. Patients will still benefit from a thorough consultation where we can discuss their concerns and start to develop a treatment plan. Treatment will, of course, be subject to re-assessment and examination in person when patients come in. This helps to cut traffic through the Clinic and is convenient for us, and our patients; particularly those who live outside Edinburgh.
How will the Clinic be different for patients?
We will have less staff in at any one time, but you can still expect the same warm, friendly, award-winning welcome you are used to. We will be operating on a strict one person in the waiting room policy, but
this will never longer than a few minutes. Patients are urged to keep to their appointment times as we are unable to have more than one person in the waiting area at a time, so latecomers will have their slot cancelled. Cleaning of high-contact surfaces will happen after each patient, with regular cleaning of low-touch surfaces throughout the day. This, of course, means we’ll have fewer appointment times available, and we will not be accepting any walk-ins until further notice.
Have you had to make physical changes to the Clinic?
Absolutely! But don’t worry, it’s still luxurious and comfortable—just in a more minimalistic, sterile way. Because our Clinic operates a closed-door policy, patients will ring the buzzer and be let in, exactly as they did before. You may notice the door handles have been changed – these are special anti-microbial versions – which reduces transmission of pathogens. As patients enter the Clinic, we have a dedicated sanitisation station—these are now very commonplace, and we ask all patients to use the facilities, and also to wipe their phones, as devices are known to harbour germs. Disposable masks are also available and must be worn. The reception desk has been fitted with a new Perspex screen to protect the team and patients. Simply register, as per usual, and take a seat in the waiting area. We are unable to offer our usual array of refreshments and reading materials at the moment, but bottled water will be available to all patients.
What about protective gear?
The team will all now wear medical scrubs, which they will change into when they arrive at work, to avoid any possible contamination on public transport, in local shops, etc. Naturally, the team has picked out the most stylish option. During treatment, I will be wearing a protective mask and visor, depending on the treatment taking place, and rest assured we will take the most extreme precautions to protect our patients.
What’s next?
My team and I will continue to provide the gold standard in patient care and safety and, as and when things change, we will be dynamic in our response.
In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming you all back.