Obstetrics in Inuvik suspended again

For the second time this year, Inuvik Regional Hospital (IRH) is suspending its obstetric services.

Anyone in the area who goes into labor will be diverted to Yellowknife. The suspension will be in effect from June 30 until at least September 8.

“Patients who planned to deliver in Inuvik and are 36 weeks or more pregnant between now and September 8 will be contacted and instructed to transfer their care to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife,” the June 28 statement said. “Efforts are being made to ensure that emergency labor and delivery care is available at the IRH during the service reduction, but this cannot be guaranteed.”

“Pre- and postnatal examinations and care will continue at the IRH. All pregnant women in Inuvik who require examination or who go into labor during this time are asked to present themselves to the IRH emergency department for treatment.”

The GNWT cited a shortage of midwives as the reason for the suspension. The statement notes that the suspension could be extended if sufficient staff cannot be found by September 8.

Affected patients are being contacted, but the release goes on to say that if they need assistance, they can contact Inuvik Primary Care at 867-678-8041.

“To avoid or shorten the duration of this service reduction in Inuvik, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) has conducted external and internal recruitment advertisements for staff with the necessary skills to relocate to Inuvik and has contacted temporary staff to determine their interest,” the release states. “Nursing staffing agencies have also been contacted to determine if this route can be used to recruit qualified staff to help staff the IRH’s obstetric service in the short term until staffing levels are stabilized. To date, these efforts have resulted in limited staff who can help, but not enough to avoid this service reduction. The NTHSSA will continue these efforts on an ongoing basis.”