5 CMGR LESSONS THAT MATTERED MOST IN THE PANDEMIC Chartered Managers work in sectors as diverse as dentistry, architecture and finance. Here, they talk about the CMgr insights they’ve kept in mind when managing through COVID-19
victoria foster CMgr MCMI has been dismayed by the lack of support for the dental sector during the pandemic. With no support packages available for private practices, it has been a challenging time for the industry. Practices must now be fit-tested for FFP2/FFP3 masks, carry out regular decontamination procedures and implement ‘fallow time’ where treatment rooms are evacuated following aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). All this significantly reduces the number of patients they can see each day. Foster, who is regional marketing manager at Dentex Health, recognises that these steps are necessary for patient and staff safety, but is sorry that the guidance has inadvertently changed dental surgeries from calm and friendly environments into “closed-door, appointment-only” settings. Magazines in waiting rooms have been removed. Patients are escorted directly to treatment rooms. Face coverings mean it’s difficult to chat. It all makes the experience harder for nervous patients. But Foster is determined to do what she can for the sector she loves. She has been putting her knowledge and experience as a Chartered Manager to work as Dentex Health adapts to the new normal. “COVID-19 has put everyone on a level playing field,” she says. “Everything went digital overnight, and we’ve all had to adapt.” It’s a similar story for other Chartered Managers across different sectors. They’re all having to adapt to the pandemic in different ways, drawing on their experiences and knowledge to make it happen.
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