Board of Directors Approves Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines for Staff, Physicians & Midwives
August 11, 2021
While continuing to focus its efforts on strengthening vaccine confidence and voluntary vaccinations for staff, physicians and midwives, at its meeting on August 5, 2021 the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) Board of Directors endorsed all measures to increase rates, up to and including implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.
“The Board of Directors’ primary accountability is the safety of those receiving and providing care at our four hospital sites,” says Ron Lavoie, HPHA Board Chair. “As one of the largest employers in Huron and Perth Counties we also feel it is important to reinforce how essential vaccines are to all of us.”
Currently 88% of staff, 93% physicians and 89% of midwives have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with 83%, 92% and 81% respectively having received both doses. Onsite vaccine appointments are being offered, with significant efforts focusing on ensuring access to the latest, validated information on the importance and safety of vaccines. All unvaccinated HPHA team members are required to submit signed confirmation of their current intention to decline to be vaccinated. Furthermore, the organization will be requiring unvaccinated team members to participate in mandatory COVID-19 education and undergo regular COVID-19 testing, to be introduced later in the summer, prior to scheduled shifts.
At this meeting the Board also heard that all onsite volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated when volunteer programs are reintroduced and students, absent of documented medical reasons, will require vaccines.
“With the Delta Variant becoming more prevalent, and the possibility of a Wave 4, we feel all responsible strategies need to be introduced to increase vaccine rates,” adds Andrew Williams, HPHA President & CEO. “Our Team has had first-hand experience of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on patients, families and communities. We all know that the best way to minimize these impacts into the future is to focus on increasing vaccine rates along with following all infection prevention and control and public health measures.”
The HPHA also continues to work closely with area hospitals and health care partners in an effort to align vaccination efforts.
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Board of Directors Motion from August 5, 2021 Meeting
Whereas the Board of Directors is committed to ensuring as safe an environment as possible for all working at, and receiving care and support at the HPHA;
Whereas the Board of Directors very much appreciates the incredible impact the Pandemic has had on all, both within the HPHA and across our broader society;
Whereas the Board of Directors agrees that the most effective strategy in addressing the pandemic is a combination of vaccinations and strong Public Health measures;
Whereas the Board of Directors has been advised of all current provincial and Public Health directions in relation to vaccinating health care providers;
Whereas the Board of Directors supports consistent, system based strategies for vaccinations;
Whereas the Board of Directors supports a focus on vaccine confidence efforts as a primary strategy to increase vaccination uptake;
Whereas the Board of Directors acknowledges the incredible commitments already in place through current vaccine rates and commitment to health and safety measures; and
Whereas the Board of Directors remains open to supporting more directive strategies, up to and including mandatory vaccinations for health care providers;
Be it RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance endorses the operational strategies in place and proposed across the HPHA to increase vaccination rates, specifically focusing on vaccine confidence and supporting the individual needs and concerns of team members.
Be it further RESOLVED, should Management feel that vaccine rates ultimately do not support and reinforce the HPHA’s primary accountability of safety and our communities need to address the pandemic, that further measures are supported, up to and including mandatory vaccines.