Starting October 15th, staff at the Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) will need to be fully vaccinated (2 doses plus 14-days) against COVID-19.
In a memo to staff, the PRH says unless there is a valid medical contraindication or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code, failure to comply with the vaccine requirements may result in administrative action, including but not limited to, unpaid leave of absence and disciplinary action including termination of employment for cause.
The PRH says approximately 90% of the 767 staff members are fully vaccinated.
The hospital says some staff are partially vaccinated, some are asking for medical exemptions or religious exemptions and a small number have indicated they won’t be getting the vaccine.
The PRH says there are very few medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The hospital says severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis following the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines will have to be assessed by an allergist/immunologist to review methods for possible (re) administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The PRH says other types of allergies do not on their own constitute the grounds for a medical exemption
The only other exemption would be due to a delay of second dose because of a diagnosed episode of myocarditis/pericarditis.
The PRH will strictly adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code, however it’s worth noting that a singular belief or preference to remain unvaccinated is not protected.
Anyone who has a valid medical or approved human rights exemption after October 15th will be required to perform rapid antigen testing at home 48-hours before entering the PRH.
All staff, physicians, volunteers, students and contractors are expected to continue to follow PPE protocols according to PRH policy and their area of work.
Human Resources and Occupational Health and Safety workers along with managers at the Pembroke Regional Hospital are working closely with staff who have not been vaccinated and offering support.
The PRH says nobody wants to see people end their careers over this and adds they don’t want to lose any team members.
Starting October 15th, hospitals in Renfrew County will also implement a policy requiring visitors, essential caregivers and/or care partners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Regardless of vaccination status, no one will be denied care or service.
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