Protecting patients and healthcare workers by implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy at BGH

Brockville, ON – September 1, 2021 – Brockville General Hospital (BGH) will require anyone working on-site at any of the hospital’s properties to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 31, 2021. The vaccination policy extends to employees, professional staff, contractors, volunteers and students.

BGH is a community hospital that provides care for many vulnerable patient populations, including youth under 12 who are not able to be vaccinated and immunocompromised persons, like those receiving cancer care treatments. The decision to mandate vaccine ensures the hospital remains a safe space for every community member, whether they are a patient or healthcare worker.

All workers at BGH are required to receive their final dose by October 17 to ensure full compliance before October 31. Between September 7 and October 31, workers not fully vaccinated will be required to test regularly for the COVID-19 virus.

Effective immediately any new employees, professional staff, contractors, volunteers and students are required to be fully vaccinated.

The majority of local hospital workers have already committed to protecting patients and each other by getting vaccinated. As of September 1, over 91 per cent of BGH’s volunteers, physicians, full time and part time staff have reported receiving one dose and over 86 per cent have received two doses.

The Leeds and Grenville community has shown their commitment to fighting the COVID-19 virus by maintaining the highest vaccination rates in Ontario. BGH is committed to doing their part to keep everyone safe. Masking, physical distancing and frequent hand washing also remain in place at BGH.

Quotes

• “Mandating COVID-19 vaccines sends an important message to our community and partners. Together, we are united in our commitment to the health and safety of our patients and each other. As a community hospital, providing safe, trustworthy care for vulnerable patients is our job. Our healthcare workers are our most important resource to provide the safe, high-quality care that the community expects from us. We are very proud that, as of September 1, over 91 per cent of our people have received one dose and over 86 per cent have reported two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Leeds and Grenville leads the highest vaccination rates in Ontario, and BGH is committed to doing our part.” Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO
• “Data indicates that Delta variant is 40-60 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha variant and almost twice as transmissible as the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. This highly contagious virus is driving Ontario’s fourth wave. Making sure every member of our workforce is vaccinated against COVID-19 adds an important layer of protection.” Dr. Andrew Hamilton, Chief of Staff
• “From a public health perspective, having a high level of fully vaccinated people in our community is essential to prevent new infections, hospitalization and death. I appreciate that Brockville General Hospital’s employee vaccine policy is contributing to this goal.” Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health/CEO Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Quick facts

• COVID-19 information and resources: reducing your risk for infection and spreading the virus (August 2021)
• As of August 25, Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Table reports that Delta is the most common variant during the fourth wave of the pandemic.
• The Delta variant is 40-60 per cent more transmissible than Alpha and almost twice as transmissible as the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization (WHO) regards Delta as “the fastest and fittest” variant so far.
• To limit the risks of COVID-19, and the highly transmissible Delta variant, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a directive mandating hospitals and other health providers to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy, which must be effective no later than September 7, 2021.
• Residents from across Leeds Grenville has shown their support of the vaccination strategy. Based on the August 31 provincial reports show over 93 per cent of residents in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, aged 18 and over, have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit boasts the highest vaccination rate in Ontario.
• The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard highlights that COVID-19 is still spreading and, on average, the majority of cases reported are a variant of concern.

Contact
Abby McIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brockville General Hospital
613-341-1202
AMcIntyre@brockvillegeneralhospital.ca