"Trust leaders are acutely aware that, from April onwards, when COVID vaccinations will become mandatory, decisions by staff to remain unvaccinated could – in extreme circumstances – lead to patient services being put at risk", the NHS Providers CEO said.
"Vaccinations remain our best defence against COVID-19. This is about patient safety and it's our duty to ensure that they are as safe as can be. Working with organisations in the health and care sector, we will continue to support those who have not yet received the vaccination to take up the offer to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their patients", the spokesperson stressed.
"We must avoid preventable harm and protect patients in the NHS, protect colleagues in the NHS, and of course protect the NHS itself", he said at the time.