Dryden Regional Health Centre/CKDR Files
The Dryden Regional Health Centre is the latest hospital in Northwestern Ontario to implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for their staff.
The DRHC will require all employees, physicians, volunteers, learners and other affiliates be fully vaccinated by February 23, 2022.
“Moving forward with the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is an additional step we are taking to protect our most vulnerable patients and to maintain a safe work environment for our employees and physicians. Ensuring that DRHC remains a safe place for the community to receive care is and always has been our number one priority throughout the pandemic,” says Doreen Armstrong-Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer of DRHC.
91% of DRHC staff are already fully vaccinated.
“I want to share my sincere appreciation for all staff, volunteers, affiliates and medical staff for all they have done during the pandemic and to those who have made that next step to keep our hospital and community safe by getting vaccinated,” adds Armstrong-Ross.
“The evidence shows that vaccines are extremely effective in reducing the rate of COVID-19 infection, and developing more serious illness. Unvaccinated individuals make up the vast majority of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the province,” says Dr. Bruce Cook, Chief of Staff. “I am confident that by implementing mandatory vaccination, along with the majority of Ontario Hospitals, DRHC is making an important step in protecting patients, and moving towards an end to the pandemic.”
Officials say exemptions may be granted for those with medical contraindication or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
This policy is an update from the hospital’s previous COVID-19 Immunization Policy, which required all staff, physicians and affiliates who were unvaccinated, or chose not to disclose their vaccination status to undergo routine antigen testing every 72 hours in compliance with Directive #6 from the Ministry of Health.
Patients and visitors will not be impacted by the updated policy.
Infection control measures including mandatory masking and personal protective equipment and other public health recommendations remain in effect.
Sioux Lookout and Kenora Hospitals have also implemented mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for staff.
CKDR News has reached out to leadership with the DRHC for further comment.
