Preamble
The General Surgery Program at McGill University recognizes that residents have the right to a safe environment during their residency training. The responsibility for promoting a culture and environment of safety for residents rests with the University, the Program and the residents themselves. This is achieved by observing best practices that meet or exceed the standards to comply with legislative requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- For Residents: To provide detailed information and immediately communicate safety concerns to the Program and to comply with safety policies.
- For Residency Training Programs: To promptly act and address identified safety concerns and incidents. To be proactive in ensuring a safe learning environment for all residents. These policies apply during residents’ activities that are related to the execution of residency duties:
TRAVEL
- Residents should not be on call the night before long distance travel for clinical or other academic assignments if they have to drive themselves to the next rotation that is in a rural community.
- When long distance travel is required in order to begin a new rotation, the resident should request that they not be on call on the last night of the preceding rotation. If overnight call is required on the final day of a rotation, then there will be a designated travel day on the first day of the new rotation before the start of any clinical activities.
- Residents must exercise good judgment and not drive long distances during inclement weather for clinical or other academic assignments. If such weather prevents travel, the resident must notify their Program Director and Program Coordinator who will discuss the resident’s options.
- If there are concerns regarding the absence, the Program Coordinator will contact the Program Director for clarification.
AFTER-HOURS CONSULTATIONS
- Residents should not work alone after hours in health care or academic facilities without adequate support.
- Residents must not work alone at after-hours clinics nor arrange to meet patients after hours without on-site support.
PATIENT ENCOUNTERS
- Residents are not permitted to make home visits
- Residents should only telephone patients using caller blocked numbers
- Residents should not assess violent or psychotic patients without the backup of security and an awareness of accessible exits
- Residents must use caution with respect to confidential personal and patient information, and exercise good judgment and professional behaviour when using social media
WORK AREAS
- Call rooms and lounges provided for residents must be clean, located in safe locations, and have adequate lighting, a phone, fire alarms, and smoke detectors. Any appliances supplied are to be in good working order. There must be adequate locks on doors.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
- Learning environments must be free from intimidation, harassment, and discrimination. Please refer to The WELL Office website.
INJURY PREVENTION
- In the event that you are injured during your time of resident training:
- Tell your CTU Director and Program Coordinator immediately about the injury
- You must complete an incident report. It is imperative that the above Report is filled out immediately.
INJURIES – NEEDLE STICK OR BODY FLUID SPLASH
- In the event of a needle stick injury or body fluid splash please contact Health & Safety immediately.
EYEWEAR
- You are responsible for appropriate eyewear in the operating room. You must wear protective eye shields when in the operating room.
