The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued an updated version of Directive #5 that applies to public hospitals, long-term care homes and retirement homes.
This updated Directive enhances required health and safety precautions in these settings in order to reduce the risks to patients and workers associated with the second wave of COVID-19. It applies to regulated health professionals and health care workers and will ensure that higher forms of precautions (N95 respirators) are available when needed.
Occupational therapists working in these sectors should review the entire Directive. Please be aware the additional guidance under Directive #5 involves:
- Reinforcing the responsibility of public hospitals and long-term care (LTC) homes to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) and related training is readily accessible.
- Providing clear guidance that (PPE) is to be provided to all regulated health professionals and other health care staff working on the front lines. In the case of contact with a with a suspected, probable, or confirmed case of COVID-19 in a patient or resident, and if in their clinical judgement an N-95 may be required, the hospital or LTC home must provide the appropriate equipment.
- Requirement for regulated health professionals to conduct a Point of Care Risk Assessments before any patient or resident interaction.
We recommend occupational therapists collaborate and communicate with their employers and the long term care and retirement homes where occupational therapy services are provided to ensure there are processes and procedures in place that adhere with Directive #5.
If you have any questions, please contact our practice team at [email protected].