Nurse and surgeon left without paycheques due to vaccine status
Sandy Hartman is frustrated. She’s not allowed back to work at London Health Sciences Centre because she’s not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“At this point in time, the policy is outdated, and I’m hoping we can see some change,” said Hartman.
A staff nurse at LHSC for the past 12 years, Hartman, who is eight months pregnant, has been put on an unpaid leave of absence by the hospital because of her vaccination status.
She believes the softening of other COVID regulations recently, like mandatory masking and patient screening, means she should be allowed back to work.
“We’re letting patients and families come into the hospital not knowing their vaccination status, and we are allowing staff who are COVID positive to be working, yet I can’t go back to work as a healthy, unvaccinated staff member,” said Hartman.
Alanna Fitzpatrick knows exactly what Hartman is going through. She had her privileges to practice plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Stratford General Hospital suspended in November of 2021 because she wouldn’t get vaccinated.
“I don’t think anyone would argue that a healthcare worker who had two primary doses two years ago would have any risk difference than someone with natural immunity,” said the Stratford, Ont. surgeon.
Alanna Fitzpatrick and Sandy Hartman met in Stratford on June 15, 2023, to discuss hospital vaccination policies that have cost both of them their paycheque. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
While other COVID regulations have loosened at Ontario hospitals this year, mandatory vaccination is still a requirement, according to hospital officials.
“The emergency is over, the pandemic is not over. COVID-19 is still present in our communities. We encourage people to maintain their boosters, and we provide care to vulnerable individuals, so it really is to protect our patients, staff, and visitors,” said Mary Cardinal, Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance’s (HPHA) Vice-President of People and Chief Quality Executive.
Both Hartman and Fitzpatrick feel as though it’s time for Ontario hospitals to change their vaccine policies, especially since the province is in the midst of a chronic healthcare worker shortage that’s closing emergency departments across the province.
“It’s not just my job that gets saved, but many, many other nurses. Hundreds across Ontario would be able to get back into the workforce and be able to help in this crisis situation,” said Hartman.
“Probably the threat of a shortage of nurses is worse than the threat of COVID at this point,” said Fitzpatrick. “As a small town physician, I am really hoping it is going to be the small hospitals that move first, and recruit these nurses,” said Fitzpatrick.
Cardinal said hospital vaccine policies around COVID-19 at the HPHA could change, but they aren’t being removed right now.
“Never say never, but this is a requirement at the moment, and is not actively under consideration,” said Cardinal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7021723.1725138491!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Johnny Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, remembers husband in heartfelt social media posts
The widow of Johnny Gaudreau called her husband 'the absolute best dad in the world' and thanked him for 'the best years of my life' in two Instagram posts shared Saturday.
18 drivers charged for filming vehicle crash site on Hwy. 401
Ontario Provincial Police were busy on Saturday morning issuing tickets to distracted drivers allegedly using their phones to film a serious crash on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario.
More people than ever are eating alone at restaurants. This is why
The stigma of single dining has faded as more people live alone than ever before. Today, more people are making reservations for one.
Man charged after alleged 'indecent act' in family shower area at Toronto pool
A 35-year-old Toronto man is facing charges after allegedly 'committing an indecent act' in the family shower area of a public pool.
Orangutan swung in 'cartwheel-like motion' before climbing down tower to escape: Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo says it has learned how one of its orangutans escaped from its enclosure earlier this week.
A Norwegian princess marries an American self-styled shaman in front of a star-studded audience
Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as the Norwegian king's eldest child, Princess Martha Louise, married an American self-professed shaman on Saturday in a wedding ceremony following three days of festivities.
Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut
Fatman Scoop, the rapper who topped charts in Europe with 'Be Faithful' in the early 2000s and later lent his distinctive voice and ebullient vibe to hits by such artists as Missy Elliott and Ciara, died after collapsing on stage at a show in Connecticut, according to officials and his family.
Driver clocked at 175 km/hr claims water bottle rolled under gas pedal
An OPP officer clocked a man from Nottawasaga travelling on Highway 401 at 175 kilometres per hour on Friday.
As interest rates trend down, could housing get more affordable?
Forecasters are expecting further Bank of Canada interest rate cuts, but does that mean it's a good time to buy or sell a home? Real estate analyst Jason Mercer shares his predictions with CTV Your Morning.