NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 healthcare system continues to face a number of challenges in the year ahead, several of which stem from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the national shortage of healthcare workers, or the backlog caused by addressing Covid over the last few years.
SA国际影视传媒淎ll the backlogs it has created in different areas whether it be surgeries, dental, eye care. Looking at the system across Nunavut weSA国际影视传媒檙e still being affected by the last few years,SA国际影视传媒� said Nunavut Health Minister John Main.
The most extreme examples of NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 healthcare staff shortages, according to Main, come in the form of health closures.
Attempts by the department to address healthcare staff shortages include supplementing with virtual services and bringing in paramedics for emergency care. The healthcare staff shortage in Nunavut and across Canada also affects other healthcare services.
SA国际影视传媒淛ust because itSA国际影视传媒檚 not an emergency doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 mean it shouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 be addressed or looked at. When we see emergency-only status for communities for weeks at a time, thatSA国际影视传媒檚 the impact of our staffing shortage,SA国际影视传媒� said Main. SA国际影视传媒淵ouSA国际影视传媒檙e creating a backlog of unmet needs. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 not something we want to see in the territory at all.SA国际影视传媒�
Main said the department continues to work in attracting healthcare professionals but so are others.
SA国际影视传媒淎ll these jurisdictions are doing the same thing, they are looking for ways to attract and retain healthcare professionals. So we have to keep up, the staff does incredible work. We just have to take better care of them. In terms of protection from burnout, from stresses and making sure theySA国际影视传媒檙e being compensated,SA国际影视传媒� said Main, adding SA国际影视传媒淚t does take a team to make a surgery go successful.SA国际影视传媒�
Funding
A first ministersSA国际影视传媒� meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 premiers takes place on Feb. 7. It is focused on the federal health transfer, but the interest for Nunavut will be on other funding streams.
SA国际影视传媒淭he interest for us in Nunavut is the Territorial Health Investment Fund, or the THIF. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 a fund thatSA国际影视传媒檚 been around for over 15 years, itSA国际影视传媒檚 a source of funding from the federal government for the territories,SA国际影视传媒� said Main.
The focus on healthcare is because of systemic nationwide problems such as the staffing shortages, he added, saying SA国际影视传媒渟ome of these conversations are long overdue.SA国际影视传媒�
Funding is at the heart of the concerns around replacing aging healthcare infrastructure across Nunavut.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 important we have proper infrastructure for staff and for residents. It impacts the public and it impacts the staff negatively,SA国际影视传媒� said Main.
One example of aging infrastructure Main said needs replacing was the Qikiqtarjuaq health centre but it also a concern across the territory.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 not just Qikiqtarjuaq, itSA国际影视传媒檚 Baker Lake, itSA国际影视传媒檚 Kugluktuk, itSA国际影视传媒檚 Arviat, the list goes on in terms of the communities that need better infrastructure.SA国际影视传媒�
It goes beyond health centres, he added. Mental health programming space and Elders homes are also needed in NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 communities.
Increase in respiratory illnesses
Following the holiday season a surge in respiratory illnesses occurred in the territory. This not only included Covid-19 but also the flu and RSV (respiratory syncyial virus). Main said lessons learned from the pandemic apply to more than Covid-19.
SA国际影视传媒淚t varies from community to community but we keep coming back to the recommendations we have,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Vaccination was at the top of these recommendations, be it for the flu, Covid-19 or other illnesses. Other recommendations include staying home when sick, wearing masks in public settings, using rapid tests when available if symptoms present themselves.
SA国际影视传媒淲e learned through Covid just how powerful public health tools can be, weSA国际影视传媒檙e not just talking about Covid. RSV, flu, all these safe measures will work for these other illnesses.SA国际影视传媒�
Main says the Nunavut governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 latest TB information sharing agreement signed with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is the departmentSA国际影视传媒檚 SA国际影视传媒渘ewest tool we haveSA国际影视传媒� in fighting respiratory illnesses in Nunavut.
Mental health
Main wanted to highlight mental health struggles, particularly among younger Nunavummiut.
He noted there is now increased access to virtual or remote counselling services, in addition to existing helplines.
SA国际影视传媒淭he healing by talking program that our department runs is really taking off,SA国际影视传媒� said Main, which enables you to speak with the same counsellor as you have before virtually. Online or text-based services are also available.
From services in Inuktitut or youth-focused helplines, there are more tools now more than ever to talk to someone.
SA国际影视传媒淲e just need to continue talking about mental health and continue de-stigmatizing it,SA国际影视传媒� said Main.
