Omicron Variant Leads to Staff Shortages at Woodstock Hospital

Friday, 7 January 2022 at 08:39

"Out of approximately 1100 staff, we currently have over 120 staff off, 47 of those staff are COVID positive and 70 staff are off because of close contact and are awaiting COVID test results."

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Hospital is dealing with a serious staff shortage right now.

President and CEO Perry Lang says they have over 100 staff off right now.

"Out of approximately 1100 staff, we currently have over 120 staff off, 47 of those staff are COVID positive and 70 staff are off because of close contact and are awaiting COVID test results."

These numbers are substantially higher than what the hospital would normally experience in the cold and flu season and is a direct result of the Omicron variant spreading through Ontario. Lang says the Hospital is still here to serve the residents of Woodstock and Oxford County.

"We have ramped down surgical services as directed by the Ministry and we have ramped down for two purposes, one is to create bed capacity, should we need it in the future, with a potential surge in COVID patients presenting at the hospital and also to allow us to redeploy operating staff out to the nursing unit where there are staffing shortages."

Lang admits the entire pandemic has been difficult for staff, who have stepped up in a huge way and deserve a tremendous amount of credit.

"It has been difficult and each one of the wave or phases of COVID have brought unique challenges to the Hospital. It was about a year ago, where we had staff redeployed to long term care facilities and retirement homes. So far Omicron, the first part of this phase has impacted our human resources side of things."

He also noted all staff are double and triple vaccinated and those who have tested positive have only experienced mild symptoms.

Yesterday the hospital suspended general visitors during this current wave. The only visitors allowed will be those deemed necessary for safety, enabling care, or on compassionate grounds. Those visitors who qualify will need to provide proof of vaccination.

Another thing all hospitals are asking is to not come to the Emergency department with mild COVID-19 symptoms, looking to get a PCR test.