INUVIK (January 30, 2026) – The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is expanding planning work for physician shortage contingency measures in Emergency Departments using virtual care, building on similar work already undertaken in Fort Smith, Yellowknife, and Hay River.

Physician shortages have been a challenge across all jurisdictions, and it is no different in the NWT, making it critical that we continue contingency planning to ensure continuity of service provision within Emergency Departments.

Over the next few weeks, the Inuvik Regional Hospital Emergency Department will carry out mock testing for reduced emergency services. These tests will use physicians working virtually in Inuvik. This helps staff practice procedures and training, with a regular Emergency Department physician still on-site and ready to step in, if needed. Patients will be told if one of these tests is underway when they present for care.

We recognize that staffing challenges have been persistent at Inuvik Regional Hospital and throughout the Beaufort Delta. The NTHSSA, not unlike other health authorities throughout Canada, continues to advocate for and recruit physicians amid widespread shortages.

Inuvik ideally operates with a team of just over nine full-time physicians. For the past two years, the number of physicians available in the community has been well below that level. Upcoming scheduled leaves starting in February will further reduce the number of physicians physically present in Inuvik. This creates a greater reliance on temporary coverage and increases the risk of staffing gaps.

The NTHSSA’s goal is to ensure that enough physicians are available to maintain regular service levels, and that goal has not changed. Emergency Departments are essential for public safety, so it is important to have contingency plans developed and tested, in case they are needed. Inuvik has a small team of physicians, and with its remote location, situations like illness or flight cancellations can quickly leave the community unexpectedly short of critical physician staff.

Contingency plans are carefully developed and include clear clinical protocols, staff training, and testing to make sure patients continue to receive safe and compassionate care, no matter how it is delivered.

The NTHSSA continues to leverage lessons from past system challenges to address staffing challenges and maintain service delivery. While we will always strive to achieve staffing levels that allow for in-person care, virtual care options must be available to offer short-term clinical support and improve access to services as an emergency contingency.

Residents across the Beaufort Delta are encouraged to book primary care appointments at Inuvik Regional Hospital in advance – while physician staffing remains stable – to access care sooner and reduce pressure on emergency services.

Residents with non-urgent health questions can call 811 to speak with a registered nurse.

For media requests, please contact:

NTHSSA Communications
nthssacomms@gov.nt.ca