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UPDATE ISSUED: 21 July 2021

  • Infection protection control measures and PPE requirements remain in place
  • Chiropractors must isolate when required

The four countries of the UK have announced lifting of restrictions implemented to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The GCC continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and the latest Government advice and guidance and expects chiropractors to be aware of developments and guidance.

Chiropractors should continue to exercise their professional judgement in determining whether it is appropriate to see any, and each, patient.

Infection prevention and control measures for all healthcare settings across the UK are staying in place. Chiropractors must have regard to the four-country Covid-19 Guidance for maintaining services within health and care settings in relation to infection prevention and control (latest version here).

We remind chiropractors of the need to document any risk assessment and management actions. Patients will be looking for information and assurance about the measures practices have put in place to minimise the risk of transmission and we expect registrants to exercise their professional judgement and record how their practice has been assessed and adapted and how these measures have been communicated to patients. In the absence of such information registrants are vulnerable in the event of any complaint.

Chiropractors must isolate if told to do so by NHS Test and Trace or NHS Test and Protect unless the contact occurred whilst in their professional capacity and PPE was worn as set out in the guidance above. This remains the law, regardless of vaccination status. Whilst guidance for the NHS in England has been issued allowing for some exemptions to self-isolation in some circumstances this will not apply to most chiropractors. Where chiropractors are working as part of NHS commissioned care, they will be informed of arrangements by their NHS employer.

Whilst some essential businesses and occupations may be able to apply for an exemption from self-isolation this is also not currently applicable to chiropractors.

In England, from 16 August, those fully vaccinated will be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate if a contact of a positive case. The GCC will monitor and review developments in the four countries, issuing further guidance as necessary.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the GCC has consistently stated that for patients in need of care a registrant must have regard to the Code, and must:

  • put patients’ health first, respect them and ensure that you promote their health and welfare at all times (Principle A)
  • prioritise patients’ health and welfare at all times when carrying out assessments, making referrals or providing or arranging care (A5)
  • treat patients in a hygienic and safe environment (A6)