Birthing services temporarily back in Inuvik, N.W.T.— but future unclear after Sept.

The Inuvik Regional Hospital, pictured in May 2021. The hospital’s birthing services are available again, but their future is uncertain due to staffing shortages. (Mackenzie Scott/CBC)

By RCI, CBC News

Services will need to be assessed continuously until staffing levels stabilize, says health authority

Birthing and delivery services are back up and running in Inuvik, N.W.T., temporarily for the month of September.

The services, which closed at the end of June, have an uncertain future due to nursing shortages at the Inuvik Regional Hospital. However, they have resumed — for now — five weeks earlier than expected.

The obstetrics unit in Inuvik has been dealing off and on with staffing shortages since the beginning of the year.

In an update Monday, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority said “gaps remain in coverage for October and onward.

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For the past two months, patients have had to be transferred to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife to give birth. Pre-and post-natal assessments have still been happening in Inuvik.

Monday’s update said the health authority is doing an “ongoing assessment” of staffing levels and demand for services. It will keep doing so until staffing levels stabilize.

“We recognize that unknown future service levels may cause concern for residents,” the health authority wrote.