Published 07 Oct 2021
GMHBA makes COVID vaccinations mandatory for all staff
GMHBA Ltd today announced that it will be making COVID vaccinations mandatory for all employees in order to protect its staff, patients and members becoming infected with or transmitting COVID-19.
CEO of GMHBA, David Greig said, “This decision reflects our ongoing commitment as a health company to protect the health of our community. We firmly believe that we are healthier together when vaccinated.”
This announcement follows the public health direction announced by the Government last Friday for healthcare facility workers to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 15 October 2021 or have an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine by 29 October 2021, with proof of full vaccination required by 15 December 2021.
GMHBA has advised authorised workers and health services staff of the Government’s requirement and has also advised it will be introducing a mandatory vaccination requirement for any GMHBA employee who currently spends time working in its head office. Proof of full vaccination will be required by 15 October 2021.
The local health insurer has also decided to introduce a mandatory vaccination requirement for all GMHBA staff currently working from home. This is due to the expectation that once the 80% double vaccination rate in Victoria is reached, employees will be able to return to their workplaces. Proof of full vaccination will be required to be shown by 6 January. This is the date when GMHBA will begin bringing staff back into the office, subject to advice from the Victorian Government.
Mr Greig said, “This mandatory vaccination decision has been made because the health and wellbeing of our staff, members and patients is our number one priority. It is the right and only thing for GMHBA to do to support the health and wellbeing of our community.”
“GMHBA has taken a number of steps to assist staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These include providing vaccination leave, promoting vaccinations in staff communications, hosting a staff webinar on COVID vaccinations with representatives from Barwon Health and Deakin University and holding dedicated GMHBA vaccination clinics. We will continue to work with employees to ensure they have every opportunity to meet the new requirements and to support the health of our community.”
For all GMHBA media enquiries please contact Amanda Bavin on 0439 567 249 or amandabavin@gmhba.com.au
