St Luke’s Health Systems, including Hedrick Medical Center and Wright Memorial Hospital, announced the requirement for all employees to be fully vaccinated by October 30th.
The announcement comes as Kansas City hospitals and health systems across Missouri and Kansas have struggled to find enough ICU beds and staff to care for patients.
“Saint Luke’s mission and commitment has been clear for 139 years,” said Melinda L. Estes, MD, Saint Luke’s Health System President and CEO. “Our job is to protect and care for the health of our patients. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly and is causing devastating loss. As healthcare professionals, the most important action each of us can take to end this pandemic is to get vaccinated.”
The vaccine requirement will apply to all SLHS employees, licensed independent medical staff members, allied health professionals, contracted personnel, student affiliates, and volunteers. Employees may request a medical or religious exemption. These requests will be individually reviewed on a case-by-case basis by either Saint Luke’s clinicians or Saint Luke’s Spiritual Wellness chaplains. Any employee granted an exemption will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing and monitoring.
All new employees will be required to be fully vaccinated within 45 days of employment.
