Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The deadline has now passed for those in health care to get vaccinated for COVID19.
Long-term health care centers are a piece of that puzzle and most say they are in full compliance or close to it.
At the Greenfields, CEO Chris Koenig says the facilities are at 100 percent vaccination among workers, though it was challening. "Prior to that, we were close to 90 percent. With the mandate, anyone not vaccinated is not on staff," says Koenig.
"We had a couple solid weeks of education, personal meetings with staff discussing any remaining hesitancy because the mandate didn't remove hesitancy."
Koenig says replacing anyone was challenging enough before the pandemic. "We have had a shortage of licensed professionals based on the number of beds in the entire state. The mandates and the pandemic changed that and made it worse," explains Koenig. He adds other agencies are in the same boat. "We're always looking for staff and there a lot of programs and incentives, but it's not enough to keep people or engage them into the workforce," adds Koenig.
Elderwood issued the following statement when contacted about their compliance:
"We are very grateful to the thousands of Elderwood staff members across our organization who have demonstrated their commitment to those entrusted to our care, as well as their co-workers and families by getting vaccinated. As we work through the deadline for full compliance with COVID-19 vaccine requirements, the situation remains fluid and our administrative and clinical leadership teams remain focused on monitoring staffing levels at each of our facilities to ensure they are adequately staffed to provide safe, quality care for all our residents. At this time, regular operations within our senior care communities have not been adversely impacted by a loss of non-compliant personnel."
Gov. Hochul signed an executive order to bring out of state health care professionals, retirees, and medically trained National Guard members to help with staffing shortages statewide.
