In the event of the extended illness of an employee and after having exhausted all accumulated sick days, bonus days, and vacation days, then a request may be made to the Director of Human Resources for extended sick pay benefits. The employee's prior work record with regard to his sick days and his seniority will be taken into account in determining eligibility for such extension. In the event the request extension is denied, then the employee shall be placed on leave of absence as provided in Section 2109.42 Sick or Injury Leave.