Some positive COVID vaccination results among staff at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital.
President and CEO Sue LeBeau says more than 99% of their employees have both doses.
LeBeau notes no official policy is in place.
“We’re following the Ministry directed ‘Number Six’ which says that you are either vaccinating or you are receiving education and testing or you have a medical exemption.”
She says in mid-August a decision was made to not hire new staff who are not fully immunized.
LeBeau says she’s incredibly proud of employees and the public for their efforts to keep the community safe during the pandemic.
She adds residents have done well in terms of protecting patients and being careful when they enter the building.
LeBeau says having a healthy surrounding has paid huge dividends in the staffing department.
“We always struggle with some positions. For sure. It can be challenging to find the right staff at the right time. Same with physicians. It’s often a challenge. But not really, at this point, has it been made more acute by COVID thankfully.”
It’s not mandatory to be double vaccinated when visiting the hospital but LeBeau is encouraging everyone to get the two doses before entering.
In Sioux Lookout at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre, officials report 92% of staff/physicians are vaccinated against COVID-19, and they continue to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines.
For more information on the local regulations visit Vaccination Policy
