Advertisement

Unvaccinated nurses open wellness centre in Kamloops, B.C.

Click to play video: 'Unvaccinated nurses to open Kamloops clinic'
Unvaccinated nurses to open Kamloops clinic
A new wellness clinic in Kamloops is being opened by nurses who can no longer work in the health care system as they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Catherine Urquhart reports – Oct 29, 2021

Unvaccinated nurses all over the province are no longer permitted to work for British Columbia health authorities.

Kamloops nurses who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine are using their job loss as an opportunity to start up Ezra Wellness on Tranquille Road.

“We’re not being allowed to help. We were told we weren’t wanted, we weren’t needed — and yet, we know we are,” said team lead Glenn Aalderink.

Ezra Wellness is still developing its platform, but the clinic says it hopes to ease some of the strain on emergency rooms by assessing patients and offering guidance.

It will operate as a private clinic and, as of right now, services are free and nurses are volunteering.

Story continues below advertisement

“I saw that there was going to be a need for those of us who choose not to follow the official mandates — to seek their own health care,” Aalderink said.

Unvaccinated or vaccinated, Aalderink says everyone is welcome at Ezra Wellness. He says the goal was to create a safe space for unvaccinated people to receive health care.

Click to play video: 'Nurses react to after B.C. announces mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for all healthcare workers'
Nurses react to after B.C. announces mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for all healthcare workers

In an email to CFJC News, Interior Health says its services are also available to everyone.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“We are committed to supporting all patients, residents and clients regardless of vaccination status. The vaccine mandates are specific to health care works to keep all the people we serve safe,” the Health Authority said.

Aalderink says the unvaccinated nurses are heartbroken.

“We’re here because we want to be. What we have is an overpowering desire, calling, to help our fellow humans,” he said.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'B.C. Nurses’ Union opposes vaccine mandate for healthcare workers'
B.C. Nurses’ Union opposes vaccine mandate for healthcare workers

Aalderink says walking away from health care was hard, but he stands by his decision — and he’s excited about his new venture.

“I know I’m risking catching COVID. I know that I won’t have whatever protection this injection gives you. But I’ve weighed the risks for myself and I am satisfied with my decision,” he added.

Click to play video: 'Vaccine requirement for B.C. coaches, leaders and spectators of kids sports'
Vaccine requirement for B.C. coaches, leaders and spectators of kids sports

Sponsored content

AdChoices