Small number of Barwon Health staff stood down over jab mandate refusal

Health workers employed at some of the region’s most at-risk facilities have been stood down on full pay after refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccination.

A small number of health care workers have been stood down for refusing the jab. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Local health services say very low numbers of staff refused to get vaccinated against Covid, following the mandate.

Barwon Health chief of people and culture Lee Jeffery said a very small number of employees had so far elected to remain unvaccinated despite the directions. 

“Those employees have been stood down on full pay and a process is in place with each

employee to determine the next steps,” Ms Jeffrey said.

“We are pleased to report that almost all our workforce is fully vaccinated, with a small number scheduled to receive their second dose.”

A “small number” of Barwon Health staff refused to get vaccinated. Geelong hospital pictured.

From October 15, in order to work in a healthcare setting in Victoria, workers had to be able to prove they were vaccinated;had a booking to receive their first dose by October 29; or, had an authorised medical exemption.

The second dose deadline is December 15.

St John of God Geelong Hospital acting chief executive Taanya Widdicombe confirmed that all of its employees working at the hospital had been vaccinated as per the Victorian government’s mandatory vaccination requirement, which it strongly supported.

“Less than 0.03% of the hospital’s workforce did not meet the Victorian Government’s 15 October deadline to have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose,” Ms Widdicombe said.

St John of God hospital

“We engaged with our employees extensively in the lead up to the deadline for health care workers, including providing support and information to those who may have been initially hesitant.

“Those who remain unvaccinated without an authorised exemption are no longer working with St John of God Health Care.

“We are following our normal HR processes to ensure we meet all of the relevant requirements and our contractual obligations.”

Epworth Geelong executive general manager Leonie Lloyd said she was pleased the “overwhelming majority” of 1100 staff at Epworth Geelong were vaccinated.

“A small number of employees who mainly work in support roles aren’t vaccinated,” she said.

“They are on leave while we continue to discuss their future with them.

“We are providing access to infectious diseases physicians to answer questions to assist staff who are hesitant.”

Originally published as Small number of Barwon Health staff stood down over jab mandate refusal