The deadline for staff and physicians working at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to prove their vaccination status has now come and gone.
The CKHA policy was first announced in early September, along with regional partner hospitals in Windsor, Leamington, and Sarnia.
The mandatory vaccination policy officially went into effect on Sunday to ensure everyone working in the buildings this morning was protected against COVID-19.
“We’ve said all along since the beginning of the pandemic that our focus is on safety and making sure that CKHA is a safe place for people to receive care and also a safe place for people to practice and work,” CEO Lori Marshall says. “This mandatory vaccination policy is our commitment to the community and the organization itself that we are able to provide that environment.”
As of October 31st, 98% of staff had been fully vaccinated or have a valid exemption, leaving 26 staff and 1 physician who have not complied with the policy. Of the 26 staff who remain unvaccinated, hospital officials say 16 are clinical staff members while 10 are considered non-clinical.
“Our patients and families deserve the best protection we can provide and will take comfort in knowing that their care team has been fully vaccinated,” Dr. Pervez Faruqi, CKHA Chief of Staff says. I want to thank our staff, physicians and volunteers who recognize the importance of COVID-19 vaccines.”
Staff who have not complied with the policy are being or have already been informed that their employment has been terminated.
“Although this is a difficult day at CKHA as we say goodbye to valued members of our team, these actions will help reduce the potential for outbreaks, service interruptions and provide an even safer hospital environment for all,” Marshall says.
The mandatory vaccination policy extends to all new and future hires at CKHA as well. Marshall says the COVID-19 shots have now been added to the list of other mandatory shots required by all staff working within the organization. That list already includes vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus/diphtheria, varicella/zoster.