Healthcare workers at BGH begin to receive COVID-19 vaccinations
Brockville, ON – February 25, 2021 - Today, Jasmine Guest, a registered nurse in Brockville General Hospital’s (BGH) Emergency Department, was the first highest priority healthcare workers at BGH to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Working closely with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, BGH has launched an onsite clinic to support vaccinating over 1300 staff, physicians and volunteers.
“I’m feeling a lot of emotion,” said Guest moments after being vaccinated. “I was surprised and excited to be the first person vaccinated at BGH. I got my vaccine because I want to help to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect others – especially those who are vulnerable and at-risk.”
“This is a historical day for BGH,” said Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO. “Our staff and physicians have been incredible professionals in the face of the pandemic, and the vaccine provides them with another layer of protection. Thank you to our colleagues at our local Health Unit for their leadership and guidance to set up this clinic. We look forward to seeing all healthcare workers vaccinated in the coming weeks, and the general public in the months ahead.”
In preparation of this milestone, BGH has developed a detailed vaccination plan that prioritizes healthcare workers in alignment with the Ministry of Health guidance. While all healthcare workers are considered high priority, within that priority group there are sub-categories beginning with the highest priority, those most at risk of contracting COVID-19. Other factors are considered based on availability of the vaccine.
“Residents across Leeds Grenville have done a tremendous job over the past year to keep the prevalence of COVID-19 low,” shared Dr. Michael Fuoco, Interim Chief of Staff at BGH. “Vaccinating our healthcare workers puts us in a better position to keep our patients, staff and physicians safe.”
Vaccinations are being celebrated at BGH, especially as the health system continues to learn more about the emerging, highly transmissible variants. To keep vulnerable patients and essential healthcare workers safe, all safety procedures will remain in place at BGH. This includes screening upon entry, wearing masks, use of personal protective equipment, visitor restrictions, and now the onsite vaccination clinic for hospital workers."
Contact
Abby McIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brockville General Hospital
613-341-1202
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