Hamilton Health Sciences has fired 7 workers for COVID-19 vaccine non-compliance, says some 360 are unvaxxed

Ontario | Hamilton | COVID | Health | Latest News |

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Published November 25, 2021 at 8:59 pm

Five days out from its vaccination deadline, Hamilton Health Sciences has dismissed seven healthcare workers and disciplined over 60 who did not follow its policy.

The hospital authority implemented a two-step vaccination policy in September that initally required all staff and physicians to disclose their vaccination status. Those who did not disclose have been required to complete regular rapid testing. The second step required all HHS staff staff and physicians to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 30.
In a press release, HHS said it has disciplined 68 workers. It also says more than 96 per cent of HHS’ workforce have complied. This means that just over 360 staff and fewer than five physicians remain unvaccinated.

“HHS has provided ample time for everyone to comply with the vaccination management policy with the first requirements coming into effect nearly three months ago,” the release said.

So what’s next?

HHS says staff and physicians who are not fully vaccinated by Tuesday (Nov. 30) will receive a notice of termination on December 1, effective Jan. 26, 2022. Employees may have that notice rescinded if they become fully vaccinated by Jan. 26, which would mean getting their second jab by Jan. 12.

The release says anyone who has only one dose by then will have to sign a written agreement saying they will get the second by Jan. 26. It also says, ”
Medical reporting for those who are unvaccinated and choose to go on sick leave following November 30 will be closely scrutinized,” and says it will not approve leaves “without a legitimate reason.”

“Know that these actions are not taken lightly,” the release states. “We wish every individual to continue their employment with HHS.”

Recently, Peter Marshall, who is the senior pastor at Kingdom Worship Centre on Hamilton Mountain, also claimed he has given a so-called religious exemption to at least one HHS employee.

Most regional hospital authorities and health systems have created a mandatory vaccination policy. The Ontario government under Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott declined to do so, with Ford saying on Nov. 3 that it would cause worker shortages.

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