Anyone expecting to give birth in Inuvik in September won't be shipped down to Yellowknife after an announcement that staffing gaps have been filled, albeit temporarily.

An update on Inuvik Regional Hospital's obstetric service situation was released shortly after 1:30 p.m. Sept. 9.

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

"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."

Improved staffing levels and a low number of expected births in the region have enabled the health authority to reinstate services for the time being. Affected parents to be have been contacted, added the release.

Approaching Sept. 30, the staffing and workload situation will have to be reassessed, and the obstretics unit may have to close again, according to NTHSSA. The news release adds that NTHSSA is working to train existing staff to fulfill birthing services to fill the gaps and is still looking to hire more nurses and other support staff.

Birthing services in Inuvik were suspended June 30 and have been unavailable in the Beaufort Delta all summer.