The clock is ticking for staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
CEO Lori Marshall says numbers have been on a steady incline since the organization’s policy was announced last month.
“At this stage we are sitting at 89% fully vaccinated and 7% who are partially vaccinated and will be (fully vaccinated) by October 31st,” Marshall explains. “We will be sitting at 96% of our staff, and are continuing to work with those who, at this stage, have not indicated their intent to be vaccinated.”
Any staff or physicians who haven’t been fully vaccinated by October 31st risk having their employment terminated or their hospital privileges suspended.
Last week, hospital officials had identified 54 staff members who could potentially lose their jobs for declining vaccination. Marshall says that has since improved.
“We have 38 staff who are sitting in the declined category. It’s a combination of full time, part time, casual, and temporary employees, and then also is made up of clinical and support staff.”
To meet the deadline, staff had to have at least their first shot by September 18th, and their second dose no later than October 17th.
Marshall says the goal remains to ensure everyone working in the organization in both Chatham and Wallaceburg at the start of November is protected.