Working in a Psychiatric Ward - Shabbat
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Question
Hello, I am starting to work in a psychiatric hospital in a closed ward and wanted to ask a few questions regarding Shabbat. a. Am I allowed to travel on the hospital's transportation like nurses in regular hospitals? b. How much can I rely on instructing a non-Jew to open doors, etc., and what can I do if my colleague is a Jew who does not observe Torah and mitzvot, but someone must open the door? Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello,
a. You did not specify your role in the ward. However, if there is a medical need for you to be there, you are permitted like the nurses.
b. I assume that your patients are classified as sick. Since it is permitted to instruct a non-Jew for the needs of a sick person, even if their illness is not life-threatening, therefore, for any care needs, it is allowed to tell a non-Jew to do it.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 328