Over 20,000 hospital staff receiving vaccinations, fewer than 300 employees choosing to quit as vaccination mandate is enforced.
In recent developments, the University of Rochester (UR) Medicine has implemented new measures to ensure the safety of its employees and patients amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include weekly COVID testing, daily symptom tracking, and adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines for employees with approved religious exemptions.
However, these measures have led to a backlog in routine appointments at UR Medicine hospitals. This is due, in part, to the increasing number of religious exemptions granted, with over 95% of these requests being for religious reasons. This surge has caused a strain on the hospital system, leading to longer wait times for non-emergency care.
Despite these staffing challenges, emergency services and critical care will continue across the UR Medicine system. The hospitals remain open for essential care, and the public is encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and not delay seeking medical care when needed.
The implementation of these measures has not been without controversy. Legal action, including a potential ruling on Oct. 12, may impact the status of employees with religious exemptions. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued guidance on accommodating employees with religious objections to COVID-19 vaccines.
The six UR Medicine Hospitals where the new vaccination mandate for healthcare workers became effective in New York State on September 28, 2021, are Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, Thompson Health, Noyes Health, Clifton Springs Hospital, and Unity Hospital.
As a result of the increased demand for care and the staffing challenges, some nursing homes in the Finger Lakes region have halted accepting new patients. This has caused a backlog in UR Medicine hospitals, and temporary bed closures are possible. To mitigate these issues, some employees are being asked to take on new responsibilities.
The UR Medicine continues to prioritise the health and safety of its patients and employees, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.
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