Public Notice
(Inuvik, June 23, 2025) – The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is advising residents in Inuvik that there will be service closure in Inuvik, impacting the operating room, including c-sections needs. This closure is effective immediately, and is expected to last until Monday, June 30th, 2025.
All known expecting parents who may be impacted by this temporary closure have already been notified directly. This public notice is being issued to ensure transparency and to reach any expecting parents who may not yet be identified through our system.
During the temporary closure of c-section availability at IRH, the following measures will be implemented:
- Patients who were planning to give birth in Inuvik and have a planned c-section or are considered high risk and 36 weeks or more in their pregnancy during this timeframe, will be contacted and advised to transfer their care to Stanton Territorial Hospital (STH) in Yellowknife.
- Pre-and-post natal assessments and care will continue at IRH.
- Anyone in Inuvik who is pregnant and requires assessment or who goes into labour during this time is asked to please present to the IRH emergency department for care.
During this period, residents should also be prepared that other unplanned operating room needs, may require medevac transport. Impact to residents is expected to remain low during this period, but if this is required, you will be advised when you present for care.
Residents are reminded to continue presenting to the emergency department for all urgent medical needs.
The NTHSSA understands that any reduction or closure in service, especially for expecting parents, can be frustrating. Please be assured that these decisions are made with the goal of providing the highest quality care possible within our available resources. Every patient will continue to receive safe, compassionate care. We also kindly ask residents to remain patient and be kind to staff, who are also affected by these changes and remain committed to providing quality care for residents.
Should this information change or as more information becomes available, the NTHSSA will provide updates.
For media requests, please contact:
NTHSSA Communications