March 29, 2024

New York Hospital Takes A Pause On Delivering Babies

New York hospital in Lewis County , decided to take a pause on delivering babies, after more than half the staff in the Lewis County General Hospital refused to get the vaccine. CEO Gerald Cayer from the Lewis County Health System said 7 of the hospital workers who resigned were from the maternity ward. He added that another 7 of the staff were undeceive about getting the vaccine & 20 of those staff members who resigned worked in clinical positions such as nurses, and therapist’s. Cayer said hospital staff shortages were an issue that predated the Coronavirus pandemic and he now wanted to focus on recruitment.

Cayer also stated that “if we can take a pause the service and now focus on recruiting nurses who are vaccinated , we will be able to reengage in delivering babies here in Lewis County.” The workers were objecting to a Sept 27th deadline to receive a first they’re dose of the vaccine. Cayer explained that only 165 of his employees or 27% of the facility’s workforce have yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19, also that several departments in the Lewis County hospital were at risk “based on the number of unvaccinated individuals.” Cayer said, “employees who resigned or are terminated over vaccination status will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.”

Overall Lewis County Health system has 5 employees in quarantine ,5 employees in isolation ,4 community members hospitalized who are also COVID-19 positive. The new York State Department of health issues an order August 16th mandating the vaccination of all health care workers, by September 27th. U.S president Joe Biden announced he would require 17 million healthcare workers at facilities receiving funds from Medicare and Medicaid to be full vaccinated , expanding the mandate to hospitals, home care facilities and dialysis centers around the country. Will other hospitals in the U.S include this in there guidelines? We have yet to find out.