Published On: November 9, 2021
To help curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our patients and our staff, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is aligning with more than a dozen hospitals across the province to implement a mandatory vaccination policy for essential caregivers effective November 15, 2021.
“As our health care workers continue to work tirelessly to care for our community, the implementation of measures such as a mandatory essential caregiver vaccination policy will serve to protect the health care workforce and enhance the safety of all those who work in and visit our hospital,“ said Karen Davies, President and CEO at STEGH.
When the policy comes into effect, essential caregivers who are not fully vaccinated (at least 14 days since the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine) will not be permitted to enter the hospital to visit a patient or accompany a patient to an appointment.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have worked closely with other hospitals across the region to align many policies and practices. This approach has been successful in achieving our goals of maintaining the safety of our patients, families, staff and physicians as well as ensuring consistent messaging,” said Davies.
The new policy for essential caregivers follows the implementation of a Mandatory Vaccination Policy for hospital staff, physicians, volunteers and students.
Please note these guidelines apply only to essential caregivers, not to patients. Please do not delay seeking medical care if needed.
“As a hospital, we have an obligation to protect people,” said Davies. “This new policy builds on our mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff, physicians, contractors, students and volunteers that was put in place last month. Together, these policies add another important layer of protection.”
We recognize the impact of isolation for patients and families during this difficult time and we are doing everything we can to help patients and loved ones stay connected. If you have a family member at STEGH, please consider alternatives to in-person visits. The hospital supports the use of technology to connect with your loved ones through virtual options, like FaceTime, or telephone calls. Please speak to a member of your family member’s care team. You can also send a virtual greeting card to a patient in hospital.