Vaccine mandates for NHS workers could exacerbate workers shortages in Norfolk
Between 80,000 and 100,000 NHS workers in England are currently unvaccinated
Norfolk and Waveney's Local Medical Committee fear the decision to make it compulsory for all NHS workers to be fully vaccinated, could exacerbate current workers shortages and also damage morale.
It's understood that between 80,000 and 100,000 NHS workers in England are currently unvaccinated.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid, is understood to have set a deadline of April 1st 2022, for all healthcare workers to fully jabbed.
Dr Tim Morton, the chair Norfolk and Waveney's Local Medical Committee says the Government's decision to plough ahead with vaccine mandates is disappointing, but not surprising:
"I'm afraid this Government does have record of ignoring professional advice about unintended consequences of there actions and I worry that this is another example of this."
He told us that a more collaborative approach would be much more preferable:
"A mandatory approach could have a detrimental effect on morale of those healthcare workers, who feel that they are being singled out. They may have very valid reasons for not having the vaccine and sensible dialogue about why they haven't had the vaccine would be preferred."
He concluded by saying that he fears this decision is likely to do more harm than good:
"More than 90% of NHS England staff are fully vaccinated. I would prefer that the remaining would be persuaded rather than forced, we are already faced with severe workforce gaps and a mandatory approach is only likely to exacerbate these."