1. 1. Have you or anyone else in your household had close contact with or cared for someone diagnosed with Covid-19 within the last 14 days? – yes/no
   2. Have you or anyone in your household experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days ( including fever, raised temperature, cough, sore throat, respiratory illness, and breathing difficulties)? – yes/no

 

Less common symptoms include; aches and pains, headache, and loss of sense of smell and taste.

Patients with more profound symptoms, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure should be referred to emergency medical care.

Screening will minimise Covid-19 exposure and ensure the safety of those who are members of high-risk groups. For the purposes of screening, patients can be categorised into four groups.

 

High Risk (clinically extremely vulnerable) from coronavirus include people who:

 

• • have had an organ transplant
  • are having chemotherapy or antibody treatment for cancer, including immunotherapy
  • are having an intense course of radiotherapy (radical radiotherapy) for lung cancer
  • are having targeted cancer treatments that can affect the immune system (such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors)
  • have blood or bone marrow cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
  • have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the past six months, or are still taking an immunosuppressant medicine
  • have been told by a doctor that you have a severe lung condition (such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma or severe COPD)
  • have a condition that means they have a very high risk of getting infections (such as SCID or sickle cell)
  • are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections (such as high doses of steroids)
  • have a serious heart condition and are pregnant

 

They should not be leaving their home for any reason (shielding).

 

People at Moderate Risk (clinically vulnerable) from coronavirus include people who:

 

• • are 70 or older
  • are pregnant
  • have a lung condition that’s not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)
  • have heart disease (such as heart failure)
  • have diabetes
  • have chronic kidney disease
  • have liver disease (such as hepatitis)
  • have a condition affecting the brain or nerves (such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy)
  • have a condition that means they have a high risk of getting infections
  • are taking medicine that can affect the immune system (such as low doses of steroids)
  • are very obese (a BMI of 40 or above)

 

 

 

The following table outlines the different pathways of care for each patient category:

Balham Osteopathic Practice is pleased to announce that Anita Pires, M.Ost, has joined the team as a registered osteopath and will begin seeing patients this week.

Anita brings over two years of hands-on clinical experience gained during her training at Health Sciences University (formerly the British School of Osteopathy). Having completed more than 1,000 hours in clinic, she has worked with a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions under the guidance of experienced clinical tutors. Her approach is grounded in safe, effective and individualised care.

Known for her warm and compassionate manner, Anita places great importance on understanding each patient’s concerns. She combines detailed case histories and examinations with clear explanations and a collaborative treatment plan. Her practice includes structural osteopathic techniques, soft-tissue work, joint articulation and advice on movement, recovery and long-term self-management.

Anita’s broader background in communication and public care—shaped through her roles as a qualified lifeguard and personal assistant—adds to her patient-centred approach. Outside of her clinical work, she is a competitive swimmer, musician and a dedicated tutor for primary-aged children. She is fluent in both Portuguese and English.

Justin Owen, Principal Osteopath and Clinic Owner, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Anita to the practice. She comes highly recommended and her clinical skill, compassion and dedication to patient wellbeing make her an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to introducing her to our community here in Balham.”

Appointments with Anita are now available.

For bookings or more information, please visit Balham Osteopathic Practice at www.balham-osteopathic.co.uk.