CCH to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Visitors
2021-10-25
For
the protection of staff, physicians, and vulnerable patients, Cornwall
Community Hospital (CCH) will require visitors and essential care partners to
provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the hospital
starting November 1, 2021. This will not apply to patients.
By
implementing this direction, CCH joins other hospitals in the Champlain region
who have already started or will begin requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination
for visitors and essential care partners in the coming weeks.
“From
the onset of the pandemic, we made a commitment to our staff, physicians, and
community to do everything we can to ensure their safety. To do so we have
taken guidance from trusted public health authorities and have received clear
direction that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to control the
transmission of COVID-19 and to reduce the severity of the illness,” said
Jeanette Despatie, President and CEO.
In
August, CCH announced
a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for its staff and physicians following
direction from the provincial government. According to the policy, anyone
working or learning onsite at CCH had to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
by October 15. Approximately 98% of 1151 active employees and all physicians at
CCH provided proof of full vaccination by the October 15 deadline.
“Our
staff and physicians have stepped up to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for
their own protection and that of our patients. We now expect visitors to provide
that same level of protection for our staff and vulnerable patients at risk,”
added Despatie.
CCH recognizes that exceptions may have
to be granted for compassionate reasons, which is why the hospital will be
providing exceptions for certain circumstances which may require family
presence.
Residents
are still urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as these exceptions will be
limited to exceptional circumstances and also because Cornwall has been
experiencing uniquely high rates of infections and hospitalizations in Ontario
due to the city’s lagging vaccination numbers.
Recently
the hospital announced
it would again be temporarily closing operating rooms and postponing elective
surgeries due the strain that the pandemic was having on its resources.
“It’s
all the more reason why we need to implement this direction as soon as possible
to protect our staff, physicians and vulnerable patients who may be at
increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated,”
noted Despatie.
If
you are coming to the hospital and are not a patient, please ensure that you
have proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued photo identification
readily available.
For
more information on CCH’s current visitation restrictions, proof of vaccination
requirements and exceptions, please visit: www.cornwallhospital.ca/en/VisitingHours.
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