Hamilton hospital workers could be fired if not fully vaccinated against COVID-19

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Published October 10, 2021 at 3:58 pm

The head of Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) says staff members who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will face dismissal or be forced to take unpaid leave.

Speaking at a staff town hall meeting, HHS president Rob MacIsaac said the tough measures are a reasonable and appropriate approach to vaccinations. They will go into effect November 30.

“Frankly, there is no excuse for not having complied or for not bringing yourself into compliance immediately if you haven’t complied,” said MacIsaac adding the action is regrettable but necessary.

HHS represents seven hospitals and a cancer care centre.

So far, staff (including doctors) appear to be complying at a high rate with 92 per cent saying they have received both doses of the vaccine.

However, MacIsaac called out those who are resisting telling them to “stop being so self-absorbed” and to stop relying on “manufactured” legal arguments to avoid the shots.

Staff who are exempt from vaccinations will have to take twice weekly COVID tests and undergo a training session.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton has announced that 90 per cent of its staff is fully vaccinated and that disciplinary measures will also be carried out against those who fail to comply.

 

 

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