The Guelph General Hospital (GGH) on Friday confimred the termination of 13 staff members who were not in compliance with the mandatory vaccination policy.
The areas of the hospital the 13 staff members worked in were not disclosed.
Those who were terminated represent less than one per cent of the hospital’s 1,653 staff members.
The policy, which was announced on Sept. 1, required all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 9 or they would face termination.
At the Nov. 9 deadline, the hospital was continuing to meet with the 13 staff to discuss further action.
Those staff that were terminated were placed on an unpaid leave of absence since Oct. 12, with the GGH providing those staff members educational materials on vaccines.
Originally, the GGH saw 31 staff members placed on an unpaid leave of absence, however, 18 staff members elected to receive the vaccine.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital followed through with this termination policy, ending the employment of 42 staff.
Similarly, the Groves Memorial Community Hospital and North Wellington Health Care announced on Nov. 15 that six employees have been terminated for failure to comply with the organization's COVID-19 Vaccination policy.
In addition, on Monday GGH removed the visiting hour’s restrictions which were 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
“Having our new visitor policy of requiring proof of vaccination as well as the low number of COVID-positive patients in the hospital, has allowed us since Monday to welcome visitors 24/7 although some conditions may apply,” said Perry Hagerman, senior communications specialist at Guelph General Hospital in an email. “Other COVID restrictions such as the number of visitors per patient per day remain unchanged. Proof of vaccinations for visitors will continue to be required (with a few exceptions).”
Hagerman said there’s always a chance we might have to bring back some restrictions if circumstances change. However, for now, thanks to the great work being done by our staff, our community healthcare partners and the community itself with its high vaccination rate, essential visitors are welcome 24/7.
