RAT kits are picked up from outbreak units. When a unit is considered to be an outbreak unit, a communication is emailed to all learners through MedSIS, with clear instructions on where/when to pick up the RAT kit.

Please remember the following:

1. Screening is required each time you work on site. Go HERE to access the screening app.
2. Stay home if you have any symptoms.
3. Call the COVID hotline (ext. 36131) if you have been exposed or have any symptoms
4. Visit St. Joe’s HCW Testing and Isolation website for further information

If you fail screening due to symptoms:

1. Call the COVID hotline at ext. 36131
2. Notify your Program Director/CTU Director and the VPEducationOffice
3. Schedule a PCR test by clicking here
4. Self-isolate at home until you receive direction and a return date from SJHH OHS
   *Reminder that you cannot return to your placement if you continue to experience any symptoms including but not limited to: diarrhea, vomiting, new or worsening cough, fever, conjunctivitis.

If your test is positive, you should isolate and confirm with a PCR test as soon as possible.

Testing site options – COVID-19 Test Home – St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (stjoes.ca). 

RAT kit required for return to work/contact tracing:

St. Joe’s is utilizing the RAT kits to prioritize HCW safety. Single kits and packages of 10 and 20 tests (for those who require daily RAT for contact tracing) are available at the following locations:

During regular work hours:

Show the written direction from the COVID Hotline requiring the testing and your employee ID and pick up kits at:

• Charlton: 7 days a week, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm: OHS at Martha 4th Floor, Room H405
• West 5th: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm: OHS Office, 2nd Floor, C250
• King Campus: Security Office, 24/7
• Satellite Health Facility: Security Office, 24/7
• CTU W at Charlton, Urgent Care at King, Waterfall 1 at West 5th

Outside of regular hours:

At Charlton and West 5th, HCWs can call the site administrator to determine if the HCW meets the criteria for rapid testing (contact tracing, exposure, or return to work). Kits can then be picked up at:

• Charlton: Switchboard window across from Information Desk.
• West 5th: The site administrator will distribute the kit.

For single test kit (for immediate use):

• Charlton: 7 days a week, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm: OHS at Martha 4th Floor, Room H405.
• West 5th: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm: OHS Office, 2nd Floor, C250.
• 24/7 – from CTU W at Charlton, Urgent Care at King, Waterfall 1 at West 5^th.

If you have been identified as asymptomatic high-risk exposure or you are in need of a kit for other reasons, you can pick one up at OHS or any of the oral/nasal drop-off locations listed below:

Charlton Campus
Day Surgery
Mon-Fri 0600-2100
Sat/Sun & Holidays 0700 – 1500

West 5th Campus
Pre-op Clinic Level 0
Mon-Fri 0730 – 1530
Units Waterfall 1, Waterfall 2, Waterfall 3
After hours/ Sat/Sun & Holidays

King Campus
Urgent Care Centre (0800-2200)

RAT tests are available JBH Security Office (Room MS 201.4, near ER) – must show your McMaster ID badge.