Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) reported as of Thursday (Nov. 4) 97 per cent of employees, midwives, and credentialed staff have provided proof of vaccination against COVID or otherwise complied with the hospital's policy.
The hospital requires all staff to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of medical or human rights exemption by Nov. 30 or be placed on unpaid leave.
Norah Holder, the hospital's president and CEO, said in a news release that the hospital wants to reach 100 per cent vaccination of all employees, midwives and credentialed staff, but took a "measured approach" to reach that threshold.
Holder said that approach included risk assessments to make sure programs and services could continue.
"The decision to move forward with a mandatory vaccination policy is strongly supported by both the medical advisory committee and the hospital's board of directors," noted Dr. Michael Lisi, chief of staff at CGMH. "Requiring vaccination for COVID-19 is consistent with the approach that hospitals are required to take with respect to other infectious diseases, and we want to do everything we can to protect all of our patients, but especially those that are immune-compromised, fighting other diseases, and require more frequent hospital visits."
In September, 14 Ontario hospitals, including Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, announced they were requiring all staff to be vaccinated by Oct. 31 or face consequences including unpaid leave and termination. However, at that time, Holder said her focus was on "understanding the current vaccination status within CGMH," but that the hospital's plan would "continue to evolve."
"CGMH must continue to do everything possible to safeguard our patients, family, community, and those who provide their care, and we believe the community expects that of us," said Holder in a news release issued Nov. 4.
Though the hospital has reported a 97 per cent compliance rate, hospital officials noted vaccination is one of several measures required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"Science has demonstrated that vaccinations – alongside other measures like mandatory screening upon entry, masking, and physical distancing – are the most effective way to fight COVID-19 and keep each other safe," stated the news release from the hospital.
On Nov. 3, Premier Doug Ford said he would not be making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for hospital workers in Ontario.
Instead, the province will allow unvaccinated workers to get tested regularly. Hospitals, however, may make their own, stricter, policies for vaccination.
