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14 Wellington County hospital staff being placed on leave for not being vaccinated

About 98 per cent of staff at the three Wellington County hospitals have been vaccinated
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Groves Memorial Community Hospital. Keegan Kozolanka/EloraFergusToday file photo

WELLINGTON COUNTY – No changes to hospital services are expected at Wellington County hospitals as 14 employees will be on unpaid leave due to a failure to meet a mandatory COVID vaccination policy. 

Wellington Health Care Alliance (WHCA) CEO Angela Stanley said via email this represents about 2 per cent of the 619 total staff at Groves Memorial Community Hospital, Palmerston and District Hospital and Louise Marshall Hospital.

Earlier in September, WHCA were a part of a group of regional hospitals who issued a policy requiring vaccination against COVID or a valid medical exemption by Oct. 12. 

Stanley said the staff who have not received a first dose by Tuesday will be placed on unpaid leave starting Wednesday. 

“We do not anticipate any disruptions in hospital services or programs because of this,” Stanley said. 

“We do not wish to lose any of our dedicated and skilled staff, we respect that everyone must make the best decision for themselves.”

Prior to Tuesday’s deadline, staff who were unvaccinated were required to submit an antigen test twice a week, attend an educational session and meet with the occupational health team. 

“We thank everyone who has complied with the policy and thank those that are working towards full vaccination status,” Stanley said.