N.Y. hospital to stop delivering babies after dozens of staff members quit over vaccine mandate

September 12, 2021 carleyshaffer1 US 0

STANBUL, TURKEY - APRIL 17: A nurse working in the COVID-19 dedicated ICU (Intensive Care Unit) takes a break outside at the Acibadem Altunizade Hospital on April 17, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. Since the start of the Corona virus outbreak in Turkey on March 11, 2020, Acibadem Altunizade Hospital has dealt with many of the most severe cases, due to being one of Turkey’s most high-tech facilities. At the start of the outbreak the hospital formed a 175 strong specialized corona team, taking doctors, nurses and assistant staff from all departments of the hospital and transforming three areas of the hospital into specialty facilities dedicated to COVID-19 cases, including an emergency entrance, a 23-bed dedicated ICU and an in-patient ward for non-severe or recovering patients. As of April 19, according to the Health Ministry, Turkey has 2,017 Coronavirus related deaths and confirmed cases have risen to 86,306 overtaking neighboring Iran. Despite the rising numbers Turkey has avoided a full lockdown and continues to implement 48-hr weekend lockdowns and constant revisions of current restrictions. The interior ministry has extended restrictions on travel between 31 cities for another 15 days, a curfew continues to be in place for anyone over the age of 65 and under 20, schools, cafes, bars and non-essential businesses remain closed. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

A nurse working in the COVID-19 dedicated ICU (Intensive Care Unit) takes a break outside. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

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UPDATED 5:38 PM PT – Sunday, September 12, 2021

A New York hospital said it will be forced to stop delivering babies after dozens of staff members quit over vaccine mandates. In a recent announcement, the Lewis County General Hospital said the number of resignations received in the maternity department has left them with no choice but to pause delivering babies.

This comes after at least 30 employees quit in protest of the facility’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. In the meantime, health care administrators are reportedly working on what they called “contingency plans” in the event of future resignations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Lewis County Health System Gerald Cayer said he hopes this will just be a temporary pause on operations in the maternity ward. “If we can pause the service and now focus on recruiting nurses who are vaccinated, we will be able to reengage in delivering babies here in Lewis County,” said Cayer. However, many have stated they will continue to go against the mandate.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 09: People gather at City Hall to protest vaccine mandates on August 09, 2021 in New York City. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last week that as of August 16th proof of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination will be required to attend indoor restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues with enforcement of the mandate to begin on September 13th. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced a vaccination mandate for state employees and patient-facing health care workers at state hospitals with an option to get weekly testing. According to CDC data, NYC is now considered a "high" or "substantial" COVID transmission area, after an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. The Delta variant now accounts for over 80% of all positive cases in NYC. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: People gather at City Hall to protest vaccine mandates on August 09, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the hospital said it would not be able to provide maternity services after Sept. 24.