MRH staff 100 percent vaccinated
By Shelley Farrington Lincoln News • September 23, 2021
MILLINOCKET – Millinocket Regional Hospital officials are excited to announce that 100 percent of their staff are vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. It’s been a goal that MRH CEO Robert Peterson, D. Sc., FACHE, Infection Preventionist Todd Phillips, BSN, MPH and many others have been working toward.
MRH has been a leader in getting staff vaccinated providing an added level of safety for patients and staff and continues it’s leadership by hitting the 100 percent vaccination mark. Peterson was thrilled.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire staff of Millinocket Regional Hospital for their professionalism and dedication to our patients,” Peterson said in a statement after hitting the mark. “As of Saturday (Sept. 18), all MRH staff members
have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The patients of the greater Katahdin region deserve to be cared for in the safest possible environment. Our staff, through their selfless decision to become vaccinated, are providing that environment. When patients seek care at MRH, they can be assured that their caregivers are committed to their safety and wellbeing.”
Peterson has also been vocal in his appreciation of all the time and effort the MRH staff has put into caring for patients, educating them and their family and friends on the prevention methods, modelling those methods and scheduling and conducting life saving vaccine clinics for the Katahdin region – with more than 80 percent of some towns in the region vaccinated including local school staff and students 18 and older. He took another opportunity to recognize their dedication.
“Our staff has tirelessly provided uninterrupted care since the pandemic reached Maine in early 2020,” Peterson continued. “For the past 19 months, our staff
has been at significant personal risk while caring for patients during the pandemic. I have personally witnessed their strength and tenacity as they work through each day. Despite a clear risk to their own personal safety, they honor their oath to provide compassionate patient care to all without hesitation.
“It is no cliché; our local MRH staff have been true heroes throughout these dangerous times. They have put their lives on the line for all of us, and once again have demonstrated their commitment to you by agreeing to be vaccinated for your protection. I continue to be humbled and impressed by them with each passing day. To all MRH staff members – thank you for being true professionals and for being selfless once again. You have my unending respect and appreciation, and we all remain forever in your debt,” Peterson said.
Phillips, who has been a leader in coordinating vaccination clinics and educating the public on preventative methods as well as quarantine requirements, was thrilled with reaching the 100 percent milestone but not surprised at the staff’s continued dedication to serving the region and leading by example.
As coronavirus cases continue to plague the region Phillips said it was critical the individuals continue to be vigilant and masking, washing and/or sanitizing hands, keeping your distance – and get vaccinated.