Harrington HealthCare System, based in Southbridge, Mass., has implemented a new infection control policy that now requires all employees, physicians and volunteers who do not receive the flu vaccine to wear surgical masks.
Workers, including volunteers, who have not received a vaccination will be required to wear masks when they are within six feet of a patient or when they enter a patient room, cubicle, procedure room or examination room. The policy is effective for all Harrington facilities and physician services offices.
"We are taking this step because we consider the vaccination of hospital workers to be critical to patient safety," said Harrington President and CEO Edward H. Moore. "Hospital workers can be very prone to contracting this disease if they are not vaccinated, and they can become infectious days before they show any symptoms.
Workers, including volunteers, who have not received a vaccination will be required to wear masks when they are within six feet of a patient or when they enter a patient room, cubicle, procedure room or examination room. The policy is effective for all Harrington facilities and physician services offices.
"We are taking this step because we consider the vaccination of hospital workers to be critical to patient safety," said Harrington President and CEO Edward H. Moore. "Hospital workers can be very prone to contracting this disease if they are not vaccinated, and they can become infectious days before they show any symptoms.
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