First Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered To Staff At Winchester Hospital

Staff at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines. 

On Friday, 84 staff members and physicians were vaccinated as part of the hospitals’ detailed vaccination plan.

Registered Nurse Miranda Carruthers was one of the first staff to be inoculated, and she says she was excited and thankful to get her vaccine.

“By protecting WDMH staff, we can also protect patients and families and our local communities,” Carruthers said. “It’s going to make a huge difference, and everyone will be able to see their loved ones again.”

The hospital says it prioritized staff based on their level of risk and work location. 

For example, staff members working in the Emergency Department will be vaccinated before staff members who do not have direct contact with patients. 

CEO at the hospital Cholly Boland says staff have been on the front line of the pandemic, and this is a great first step .

“We look forward to seeing the entire WDMH team – and our local communities – get their first dose over the coming weeks. Thank you to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit for your leadership in the vaccine roll-out,” Boland said. 

All safety protocols remain in place at WDMH, including screening, wearing masks, the use of personal protective equipment, and visitor restrictions. 

For more details and updates, head here.