LHSC losing 84 employees as vaccine mandate takes effect
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) says more than 99 per cent of staff and physicians are fully vaccinated, but 84 employees are being let go due to the mandatory vaccination policy.
LHSC Executive Vice-President Carol Young-Ritchie says, “These terminations are with cause. We put a policy in place, and our policy is fully enacted today. And for non-compliance with the policy we are terminating people with cause.”
In total, 99.8 per cent of physicians and 98.2 per cent of staff and are fully vaccinated, while an additional 81 staff are in the process of getting vaccinated, so the overall total is expected to land at 99.2 per cent.
Of the 43 clinical staff being dismissed, there are 33 nurses (16 full-time, 13 part-time, two job share and two casual) and fewer than five physicians who will lose privileges. An additional 41 non-clinical employees are being dismissed. The physicians are not included in the 84 people being let go.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adam Dukelow said while it is a sad day at LHSC, the community can now be cared for in an even safer environment.
"Having over 99 per cent of our staff and physicians vaccinated will decrease our susceptibility to outbreaks, help avoid service interruptions, ensure we're able to care for as many patients as possible as we continue on the road to recovery from COVID-19."
LHSC has 9,148 staff in total, including around 4,000 nurses.
The losses are not expected to have a major impact, as officials say they are spread out across the organization and job types.
“This is a small number, when representative of our entire staff, and we do have some shortages to start with, but we’re not anticipating any impacts to services,” says Young-Ritchie.
A mandatory vaccination policy for hospital visitors is expected to be released next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.