The Owen Sound Regional Hospital. (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) says employees who are not fully vaccinated and don’t have an approved exemption by December 3rd will be fired.
The local hospital group announced Monday (Nov 15) it has updated its COVID-19 vaccination policy.
It had required all staff and physicians to be fully vaccinated by November 25th, or be placed on unpaid leave.
A release says 96 per cent of Grey Bruce Health Services employees and 99 per cent of their physicians are fully vaccinated.
They say their board of directors is committed to a goal of 100 per cent compliance and unless an employee has an approved medical exemption, those who remain unvaccinated will no longer be employed by GBHS after December 3rd.
GBHS maintains there will be minimal impact on services as a result of the updated policy, as it says unvaccinated staff are spread across all sites and services.
There are six hospitals under the GBHS umbrella: Owen Sound, Meaford ,Markdale, Southampton, Wiarton and Lion’s Head.
The hospital organization adds, as of Monday, November 15th, all Care Partners (visitors) must show proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption to enter a GBHS facility.
This policy does not apply to patients. GBHS says anyone who needs hospital care or has an appointment should not delay, regardless of vaccination status.
Exemptions to the Care Partner visitor policy can be made for children; those accompanying a child; visitors for those in labour or at end of life; and those with accessibility needs.