Update on Motherisk Program at The Hospital for Sick Children

Toronto, ON - In late 2014 and early 2015, a number of concerns surfaced with respect to the Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). SickKids permanently closed the laboratory in April 2015.

The Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory was part of the Motherisk Program which also consists of a call centre for information on drug and chemical exposures during pregnancy and lactation, a research laboratory, and a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program.

When these concerns surfaced, SickKids undertook a review of all elements of the drug testing laboratory as well as the other programs within Motherisk. At the same time, and with the full support of SickKids, the Government of Ontario asked former Court of Appeal Justice Susan Lang to conduct an independent review of the drug testing laboratory.

Through SickKids' internal review, and in cooperation with the independent review, areas of concern have been identified within the Motherisk Program. An updated summary report of findings is available from the link below.

"We are very disappointed that the practices in this particular laboratory did not meet SickKids standard of excellence. SickKids regrets any negative impacts that people may have experienced as a result," says Dr. Michael Apkon, SickKids President and CEO. " At SickKids we are committed to transparency and we value the trust we have earned from our community. We take great pride in our world-class reputation and we remain resolved in our efforts to ensure that we have the highest standards of quality and safety in all of our programs."

SickKids continues to cooperate fully with Justice Lang and her review team. We are committed to addressing any recommendations that are tabled in her final report.

Read the Summary report (November 30, 2015) (pdf)