While a province-wide vaccine mandate won’t be implemented for hospitals, QHC’s position on the matter won’t change.
In a statement, the healthcare corporation that runs the North Hastings Hospital says the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy for staff, physicians and volunteers will not change. QHC says despite the infection control and PPE methods they use in their hospital, the healthcare corporation maintains that these measures need to be combined with vaccines to protect the general public.
The move comes after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced he would not force hospital staff across the province to get vaccinated. Ford pointed to the potential departure of tens of thousands of healthcare workers and refused to jeopardize care for Ontario residents. The move was criticized by the Ontario Hospital Associaton, saying the vast majority of its members were calling for a mandatory vaccination policy.