Good afternoon LPNs,

The situation resulting from the COVID-19 virus is rapidly evolving.  

Firstly, the SALPN would like to credit all health care providers for their efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and acknowledge the challenges yet to come.  We recognize that health care providers will encounter risks and demonstrate courage as the demands on the health care system increase.  

Secondly, the SALPN would like to take this opportunity to provide LPNs in Saskatchewan with a brief update and guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SALPN supports the efforts that both the provincial government and the federal government have undertaken.

The Government of Saskatchewan website is reliable and provides robust and current information related to the status of the virus and the approach to managing it in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan’s source of information, for healthcare providers and the public about COVID-19, are available from www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus. The Government of Canada’s website specific to health care providers is available at www.canada.ca.

Please review these sources to familiarize yourself with the factual details of the virus, and the measures that you can take to ‘flatten the curve’ (slow the spread of the virus).

SALPN’s approach to the COVID-19 virus is based on three principles:

1. Contribute to maintaining the current “low-risk” status in Saskatchewan with the support and implementation of measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

2. Contribute to the protection of the health-care system’s ability to manage the growing demands related to COVID-19.

3. Promote and protect the health and wellness of our valued staff, Council, committee members and associated service providers and consultants.

Advice to Employed LPNs:

Employers are the most knowledgeable about the patient population(s) served and the associated needs and risks specific to your area of practice and patient population.  Your employer is best equipped to develop policy and provide direction to guide your specific practice. Please refer to the direction of your employer on an ongoing and frequent basis. The direction and management of this situation will likely evolve frequently. If you are employed by the SHA, review your work emails daily as updates are being provided frequently.

Advice to LPNS engaged in Independent Practice (self-employed):

LPNs engaged in independent practice, also known as self-employed, are responsible for adopting policies and procedures to guide practice and the delivery of services at all times. If you have not yet done so, it is advised you develop an approach to the COVID-19 pandemic appropriate to the nature of your independent practice and the population served.  If the risk to the public increases, it is possible you will have to consider the discontinuation of some services.  References provided in this email may be helpful to you in the development of your approach.

The COVID-19 virus significantly impacts the context of LPN practice. It is suggested you review the LPN Practice In Saskatchewan document to refresh your knowledge and inform your decision making in a rapidly changing situation.

SALPN’s Internal Approach:

We have taken various precautionary infection control measures and adjusted our operations to ensure the health and safety of our employees, Council and committee members, service providers and guests to our office. We will continue to do as the situation changes.

We are especially mindful that direct care providers from various locations and facilities frequent the SALPN office.   Activities and meetings scheduled in the next fourteen days have been cancelled or adjusted to occur virtually. All events scheduled beyond fourteen days are under evaluation daily.

At this time, the SALPN office remains open. If we are required to change our method of operations, you will be notified by email and through our social media channels.

The SALPN AGM and Conference is scheduled to occur on May 13th. Due to the high volume of attendees and the fact that almost all attendees are direct care providers, the SALPN Council is seriously considering options related to the risks of proceeding as planned.  SALPN will notify you as soon as possible if adjustments to the schedule or delivery format are made.

As a reminder, please review the resources referenced in this email. If you have further questions, please feel free to email Lynsay Nair, SALPN Executive Director at lnair@salpn.com.

Once again, please take care during this challenging time.

Thank you,

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