11/23/2021

All Wentworth-Douglass Employees Compliant with COVID Vaccine Policy

All Wentworth-Douglass Hospital employees are now compliant with Mass General Brigham’s COVID vaccine policy, placing the hospital far ahead of the impending federal deadline and other Seacoast hospitals.

The policy underscores Wentworth-Douglass’ commitment to health and safety and was overwhelmingly supported by the hospital’s staff. 98.3% of Wentworth-Douglass staff complied with the policy by the system’s deadline.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the only hospital on the Seacoast with a current mandatory COVID vaccine policy for employees. The fact that nearly all our employees complied, is a testament to our dedication to patient safety from everyone in our organization,” said Jeff Hughes, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass. "It’s a message to our community that we care about their health and follow the science.”

The Mass General Brigham system, which Wentworth-Douglass is a member of, announced it had 99% compliance by the deadline among all its entities. Medical and religious exemptions were thoughtfully reviewed, and granted in a small number of circumstances.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will require that all health care workers be fully vaccinated from COVID-19 by January 4, if their organizations receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.