Guidance on learner participation

Last Updated January 5, 2022 at 8 p.m.

On behalf of Dr. Azim Gangji, VP Education at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

In order to support our learners across St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH) during this time, we would like to share the simplified guidance on learner participation in the care of COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-suspected patients at SJHH.

Learners may participate in the care of COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-suspected patients if they meet all of the following conditions:

1. It is permitted by the learner’s academic institution.
2. The learner has received in-person PPE donning and doffing training at SJHH or at their academic institution and the training session has been documented and the training record has been forwarded to SJHH IPAC or recorded on SJHH NirvSystem.
3. The learner must wear all of the PPE specified on the sign posted outside the patient environment.
4. If an N95 respirator is required to be worn, the learner must have a valid N95 fit test certificate and the learner must wear only the model(s) of respirator for which they have been correctly fitted.
5. The learner’s direct supervisor deems it appropriate and provides approval.
6. The learner is not a high school co-op student, as high school co-op students are not permitted to enter isolation environments.

If you have any questions, please email the VP Education Office (VPEducationOffice@stjoes.ca), Jane Loncke (jloncke@stjoes.ca) or Erin Doherty (edoherty@stjoes.ca).

Thank you for supporting our learners and future healthcare providers at St. Joe's.