NEO-Natal nursing pioneer and COVID-19 vaccine recipient: Ellen Ross

​Ellen Ross has spent her fair share of time working in a health care environment, having begun her training to become a registered nurse in 1945.

Originally from Manitoba, Ellen and her husband Harvey soon found themselves on the move due to his employment with the railroad. This brought them to Saskatchewan where they put down roots in Wynyard for 10 years, before moving to Saskatoon. Last year, Ellen moved back to Wynyard and now resides in the Golden Acres long-term care home, which is part of the Wynyard Integrated Facility.

Ellen is no stranger to epidemics, having worked during the polio outbreak in the 1950s.

In Saskatoon, Ellen had the opportunity to join the fledging Neo Natal Unit which was opening at the time.

“It was a wonderful experience, we were all learning together as a team,” she recalled.

Being appreciative of medical advances, Ellen didn’t hesitate when it came time to receive her COVID-19 vaccine.

“There are people who may have legitimate difficulty with vaccines, but I have never had an issue and the chances of getting COVID are likely higher than an adverse reaction to the vaccine,” she observed.

Ellen’s family continues to exercise caution during these times, so with the vaccine now rolling out across Saskatchewan, she hopes to be able to see them in person again soon.

Follow the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Twitter and Facebook for more stories and updates on COVID-19. For further information on the Vaccine Delivery Plan, please visit www.Saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine.