Windsor, ON:  WINDSOR, ON: The COVID-19 Vaccine Policy unanimously passed by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Medical Advisory Committee and Board of Directors in early September is now in full effect.

The policy developed to protect the health and safety of patients, colleagues and the community at large required that employees and physicians receive their first dose of the vaccination by September 22^nd. At that time 30 employees were given a two-week period to receive their first dose with the opportunity to discuss or address questions and/or concerns with HDGH Leadership.

Today, with that two-week period passed, those employees not in compliance with the policy will be issued termination letters. Additionally, those professional staff (physicians) in non-compliance are no longer exercising their privileges on the HDGH Campus. Given that professional staff are not employed by the hospital, this is now a governance matter being dealt with directly by the Board of Directors.

Ninety-eight percent (98%) of the HDGH employees and 98% of professional staff have complied with the policy. Twenty-four (24) employees have not complied with the policy, 19 are considered clinical employees and 5 are considered non-clinical. Two (2) members of the professional staff have not complied with the policy. There are 5 employees that have been exempt from the policy based on medical or human rights requirements and are required to participate in frequent testing.

“Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare will always be committed to the healthcare needs of our community. Our patients and their loved ones expect us to do everything we can to keep them safe and restore their quality of life. While this may be difficult for those who have decided not to become vaccinated, our patients don’t have a choice in the health event they are experiencing. For us, HDGH is their place to regain that health and we need to be sure we are doing all we can to protect it,” states Janice Kaffer, HDGH President and CEO.

HDGH will now be actively recruiting for all vacancies and has had contingency plans in place recognizing the potential impact of the vaccination on staffing levels. As such, the patient-centred, value-based care that has come to be expected by the HDGH Team will not be compromised.

“I would like to guarantee our community, our patients, and their loved ones that programs and services at HDGH will not be impacted as our Vaccination Policy takes effect,” Kaffer assured. “I would like to commend our dedicated HDGH Team who have gone above and beyond to serve the healthcare needs of our community and continue to deliver on our HDGH values each and every day,” she concluded.