Dozens of unvaccinated Windsor, Ont. hospital staff suspended without pay
Windsor, Ont., hospitals have suspended dozens of employees without pay for not getting their COVID-19 vaccines, per employee policy.
Windsor Regional Hospital reports that 3,398 or 96 per cent of its employees are fully vaccinated or have complied with the policy of getting at least one dose by Wednesday, Sept. 22.
As of Wednesday, 140 of the employees have not complied with the policy. Of these employees 84 are considered clinical staff and 56 are considered non-clinical staff.
Also, 534 or 99 per cent of WRH professional staff are fully vaccinated or have complied with the policy, while seven have not. However, only two of the seven are full-time employees.
The policy was unanimously passed by WRH’s Medical Advisory Committee on Sept. 2 and was approved by WRH’s Board of Directors on Sept. 3.
“The policy is part of a progressive plan to ensure that all employees, Professional Staff, Affiliates, volunteers, and students (“Staff”) are vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have a valid exemption,” said the hospital in a memo to staff on Wednesday.
WRH says staff who did not receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 22, 2021, will be placed on a two-week unpaid leave.
If those staff members have not received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Oct. 7, 2021, their employment will be terminated; or their privileges will be suspended on an immediate mid-term basis (with a recommendation going forward that their privileges be revoked/terminated) and the related by-law process will be followed.
As a result, hospital officials say the final number of staff still unvaccinated will not be known until after Oct. 7.
“I am very proud of our Windsor Regional Hospital team leading by example for our community. All our WRH Board members unanimously supported the implementation of the WRH Vaccine Policy and also lead by example themselves on the importance of getting vaccinated,” stated Anthony Paniccia, WRH Board Chair.
WRH CEO David Musyj says the hospital has put the safety and well-being of patients, our community and team members first by requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The individuals who have not complied with the policy and decided not to be vaccinated will not impact the provision of clinical or non-clinical care to our community,” said Musyj.
Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare
Effective Sept. 22 at 12:01 a.m. all staff and physicians at HDGH in Windsor must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to attend the Hospital pursuant to our policy unless provided an approved exemption.
HDGH has a 96 per cent vaccination rate. As of Wednesday morning, this will affect 32 employees who are now suspended without pay.
HDGH officials say if these employees do not have the first vaccination on or before Oct. 6, they will face termination with cause.
Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington
ESHC is in Phase 1 of their staff vaccination policy, which includes twice-weekly testing by staff and physicians who aren’t fully vaccinated. Phase 2 of their policy, which requires all staff and physicians to have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to attend the hospital, goes into effect on Oct. 4.
At this time, ESHC says 95 per cent of staff have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and they are hopeful more will receive their first shot prior to the deadline.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.