(Inuvik, September 9, 2024) The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) is announcing a temporary resumption of birthing and delivery services at the Inuvik Regional Hospital (IRH). This means regular/planned birthing services will be available in Inuvik starting immediately until September 30^th, 2024.

Services have been reinstated for this specific period due to improved staffing levels and a low number of expected births within the region. Individuals who would have been impacted by the service reduction and who had  their care transferred to Yellowknife during this time have been contacted directly by their healthcare team to inform them of this change.

As recruitment and retention efforts continue there will be an ongoing assessment of staffing levels and birthing volumes expected within the region served by the Inuvik Regional Hospital. While staffing has improved for the month of September, gaps remain in coverage for October and onward. Service levels will continue to be reassessed and adjusted as necessary based on current and expected staffing levels in support of the safest provision of care and services.

We recognize that unknown future service levels may cause concern for residents. Our goal remains improving core staffing levels either through new hires or training of current in-territory staff to ensure we have the specialized staff required to support these services safely and sustainably. Until stability in core staffing can be achieved, birthing services in Inuvik will continue to be assessed regularly and we remain committed to communicating directly with any potentially impacted individuals and then openly with residents via public notices.