Government release details around unvaccinated in health care

Nov 1, 2021 | 2:02 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Of the 127,448 health care workers in BC, 122,059 have been fully vaccinated. That leaves 2.6% or 3,326 health care professionals who are now on unpaid leave in the province.

That includes four percent, or 320 people, in Northern Health who are on unpaid leave.

It was also noted that 93 percent of those living in long-term care have had their booster shots. In many health authorities, the staff shortages due to the lack of vaccinated workers have resulted in the closure of operating rooms. Not at University Hospital of Northern BC. However, Northern Health is still in a tough spot. “

Since September 5th, 92 Northern Health patients have been transferred to other ICUs in other health authorities,” explains Health Minister Adrian Dix. “That’s 92 people, all critically ill, who have been transported away from home during the most challenging of times.”

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry was asked if she was concerned the three thousand people didn’t return to the profession and her answer was terse.

“If we think about the things that have saved lives over the many years since we’re had immunization, the WHO has come out with a top ten public health measures that we have in place and immunization is one of those. So we need to understand where it fits in our health care system. So, if people are in our health care system and not recognizing the importance of vaccination then this is probably not the right profession for them. To be frank.”