DDU advice

Speaking to the DDU's adviser, the member said how stressful the pandemic had been for them, and how difficult they were finding running the practice during the pandemic. They felt staff morale was very low and that they needed to be in practice to keep everything running smoothly. They were extremely concerned about how patients would be accommodated during any required period of isolation.

The adviser explained that the member must follow the current government advice on isolation and the specific advice to healthcare workers on returning to work. They also advised the member to liaise with the local Health Protection Team at Public Health England and also review the Office of the Chief Dental Officer's most recent version of Standard Operating Procedures, with regard to when staff are notified as contacts.

Because the advice was frequently updated, the adviser stressed the importance of viewing up-to-date, 'live' guidance, and not relying on previously printed documents.

The adviser reassured the member that most patients would fully understand, and if there were any complaints arising from the need to cancel the appointments, they should contact the DDU again so we could advise how to handle those complaints.

Due to the stress our member was under, the adviser suggested they contact the DDU health and wellbeing helpline, a confidential and free service available 24 hours a day to all DDU members for any health and wellbeing related matters.

To access this service, members can call the confidential helpline number on 0330 678 1223 and simply state that they are a DDU member.

Staff family COVID contact

Staff family COVID contact