Trinity Health, which operates St Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, announced that, effective immediately, the national health system will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors and those conducting business in its healthcare facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The requirement applies to Trinity Health’s more than 117,000 employees in 22 states nationwide. To date, the health system estimates that nearly 75 percent of Trinity Health employees have already received at least one dose of the vaccine.
“Safety is a core value at Trinity Health. Part of our mission as caregivers is to protect the people we serve,” said James Woodward, president and CEO of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “Vaccination against COVID-19 is part of our multifaceted strategy to help stop the pandemic and protect our communities.”
“The science is clear – vaccination against COVID-19 is saving lives,” said Sharon Carney, MD, chief clinical officer for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “It’s the right thing to do. As a healthcare system and as caregivers, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our colleagues, patients and communities.”
Employees at Trinity Health and its Health Ministries must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with most locations requiring them to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21. It has not yet been determined if a COVID-19 vaccine booster will be required annually, but if so, employees will also need to submit proof of the booster as needed.
Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented and approved. Employees who do not meet criteria for exemption and fail to show proof of vaccination will have their employment terminated.
