Most of us are adapting to our new ‘normal’, with most clinics open, our children back at school (thankfully, many of us will say) and the economy slowly rebuilding. However, there is one concern that lingers over the nation, and it is the million dollar question: ‘will there be a second wave?’. This leads to the subsequent questions, ‘will there be another lockdown?’ and ‘will it be national or local?’. Ultimately, we do not know, and we all hope not; however, looking to our colleagues in Europe, it seems to be on the horizon, if not here already, with our ‘R’ number slowly but steadily rising (Gov.uk, 2020).
With this uncertainty that looms over us, the only real practical and pragmatic solution is to be ‘business-ready’. Making critical decisions about your practice and planning ahead is crucial. For example, if there is a local—or even national—lockdown, meaning having to close for 2–4 weeks, would you be ready? Would your business survive? Do you have a ‘plan B’ if you have to quarantine?
Forming alliances to support local colleagues, as opposed to competition, may not only benefit us in situations such as needing a substitute injector for a few weeks while quarantining due to a positive COVID-19 test, for example; but may also bring much-needed support and solidarity. So far, I am really pleased to say this is exactly what I have seen from most of my colleagues: everyone supporting each other where possible.
Taking more positivity in the current climate, many of us are excited to see some of the biggest conferences planning to go ahead in 2021, including the 9th National Aesthetic Nursing Conference in January, as well as many continuing to use a virtual platform, providing a great way to learn from the comfort of our own homes or clinics. The networking and social interaction will certainly be missed; however, the educational content already looks fantastic, and I am certainly looking forward to them.
Regulation of the industry may also be a small step closer with the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health recommending the Department of Health and Social Care bring in mandatory licensing of all cosmetic treatments (Aesthetics Journal, 2020). The widely watched ‘Truth About Cosmetic Treatments’ on BBC 1 certainly highlighted the lack of regulation, and I know numerous colleagues are working hard to ensure more stringent laws are put in place, thus protecting our patients' safety.
The changes we have made while reopening have also improved patient safety, as well as protecting our staff and ourselves. The use of risk assessments, stringent personal protective equipment (PPE) and improved cleaning methods have certainly improved our clinical practice and infection control. Other ways that many of us have streamlined our clinics to be more efficient are implementation of virtual consultations, online shops and paperless patient management systems with pre-completion of forms, which are all designed to decrease the exposure time for patients, as well as saving time—and remember, time is money.
Looking forward, the rest of the year will be an interesting and challenging one, with many peaks and troughs, recession, increase in taxes, new vaccines produced and many of us doing the best we can to make it into 2021. We should not forget the devastation and tragic loss of life that COVID-19 has caused, and we should maintain our strict infection control policies with the aim of doing everything we can to contain the rise in cases, and continue to do our best to protect our patients, our friends, our families and ourselves.