by: liz braun
toronto’s world-renowned children’s hospital has put 147 workers on unpaid leave based on their vaccination status.
the hospital for sick children announced the measure thursday for medical, corporate and support staff alike who did not submit proof of full vaccination by the hospital’s deadline. those placed on unpaid leave includes some staff working completely remotely.
the 147, according to hospital spokesperson jessamine luck, represent a small number of the hospital’s 8,258 staff members — 98.2 per cent of whom are fully vaccinated.
said luck, “some staff members are continuing to submit their proof-of-vaccination documentation so we anticipate the number of staff on leaves of absence will decrease over the coming days.”
about 19.1 per cent of the 147 have received their first dose of the covid-19 vaccine, she added.
“it is our hope that every staff member who is currently not fully vaccinated will become fully vaccinated at their earliest opportunity and return from leave.”
the absence of those on unpaid leave will not disrupt any element of patient care at the facility, she said.
sick kids, along with fellow pediatric facilities cheo in ottawa and toronto’s holland bloorview, all announced in august that their vaccine mandates would not include the option for regular testing.