Bluewater Health’s Chief of Professional Staff is disappointed the hospital has withdrawn its “vaccinate or mask” policy for the upcoming flu season.
Dr. Mark Taylor says based on what happens over the next six to 12 months, there's a very good chance that decision will change.
The hospital’s policy came into question last month when arbitrator Jim Hayes ruled a similar policy at Sault Area Hospital had coerced staff into getting flu shots.
“We believe that there are specifics of how they implemented their policy in Sault Area Hospital which we think influenced the decision of the arbitrator, and we think several things we did at Bluewater Health were different. So we think there might have been a different result," says Taylor. "However, for now, until this situation’s further resolved, we think the best thing is to not enforce the mask component of the policy for the present time.”
Dr. Taylor adds there was no rush to make a decision on the ruling because the policy doesn’t take effect until December 1.
"The last couple of month’s there’s been discussion between hospitals all over the province, the OHA’s legal team, and our lawyers and various people had to consider it and decide what to do," says Dr. Taylor. "The area continues to develop and over the course of the next year, we hope its clarified for the whole province.”
Dr. Taylor adds the hospital has had no flu outbreaks since the policy was instituted two years ago.
He says staff are now strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and those who choose not to are encouraged to wear surgical masks for the patient’s best interest.
Vaccinated staff will receive coloured indication cards that can be worn alongside their Bluewater Health identification badge.
