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Vaccination concerns for pathology collection staff

Posted By Concerned medico

"Vaccination concerns for pathology collection staff"

About: PathWest Walpole Collection Centre

(as a friend),

A friend who is very vaccine ‘hesitant’ was persuaded that at their elderly age they were at significant risk if they caught COVID19.

Around the same time, my friend went for a blood test, and the phlebotomist (who they thought was a trained nurse) told them the vaccine was dangerous, and that they personally would not have it.

I believe the nurse was from PathWest in Denmark, WA, working in Walpole on the day.

I felt shocked and angry that pathology staff in contact with the public would spread dangerous misinformation to an elderly patient.

The fact that my friend thought the nurse was medically trained adds to the potential harm.

I have heard that vaccines will be mandatory for all health workers, and all I can say is: not a minute too soon!

I believe anti vaxxer's can be ignorant and dangerous when working in a position where they can do harm to vulnerable people. I hope PathWest will read this and take appropriate action.

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Responses

Response from Gina Hine, A/Operations Manager, PathWest Regional Network 2 years ago
Gina Hine
A/Operations Manager,
PathWest Regional Network

Submitted on 18/10/2021 at 5:01 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 5:01 PM

Hi Concerned medico,

Thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to my attention.

It is incredibly disappointing that this incident has occurred. PathWest staff are expected to act in professional and compassionate manner at all times. It was not appropriate for personal views to be conveyed whilst working in a professional capacity.

This staff member is not currently actively working with PathWest and if they return to the workplace I will ensure retraining for customer service expectations and professional conduct is undertaken in accordance with WA Health policy and the Code of Conduct.

All PathWest Regional Services employees are required to be fully vaccinated by 1 November 2021 and PathWest adheres to and supports the Health Department's policy for COVID vaccinations.

Thank you again for your time and concern.

Kind regards,

Gina Hine

A/General manager

Pathwest Regional services

pH:6457 1801

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