Following provincial and local directives, staff and physician vaccination rates at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance are on the rise.
CKHA President and CEO Lori Marshall says she is very pleased with the progress.
“At this stage we’ve got 87% of our staff who are fully vaccinated and another 7% who are partially vaccinated,” says Marshall. “I have really great confidence that by October 31st we’ll be at 94% or greater.”
CKHA physicians vaccination rates are sitting at 97% fully vaccinated and 2% partially dosed. That leaves 1% of CKHA physicians unvaccinated.
“It really reinforces for us our commitment to the community that when you come to the hospital, we want everyone to feel safe, that you know your care providers are vaccinated and that we are doing our best to make sure that we take care of everyone,” she adds.
Marshall has previously stated she hopes the Health Alliance doesn’t lose staff over the vaccination policy. But she believes it is in the best interest of staff, patients, and the community at large.
“It really reinforces for us our commitment to the community that when you come to the hospital, we want everyone to feel safe, that you know your care providers are vaccinated and that we are doing our best to make sure that we take care of everyone,” she adds.
Marshall says the Alliance understands the COVID-19 vaccination conversation and decision is difficult for some.
“Absolutely this is a difficult decision for some people,” says Marshall. “We’re continuing to have those conversations. We also have processes in place to request an exemption for medical reasons, although the actual conditions that would be an exemption for medical reasons is fairly small and also around human rights. We’re working through on a case-by-case basis now for everyone who either is still hesitant or has indicated their desire not to be vaccinated for different reasons.”
As of September 7th, the Health Alliance moved forward with the provincial directive of vaccination unless exempt for medical reasons, regular testing or education on the benefit of the COVID vaccine.
There are currently 1335 people employed by CKHA.
