KinngaitSA国际影视传媒檚 new health centre opened its doors to patients on Aug. 3, and on Sept. 7 there was a special celebration where a number of NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 ministers and community members took part in the opening ceremonies of the new facility.
The new 1,792 square meter, $33-million building boasts dental, emergency, x-ray, prenatal and mental healthcare facilities, along with improved clinic space in comparison to the old health centre, which was built back in 1982. It was built by the department of community and government services.
When it comes to providing healthcare services to Kinngarmiut, it is SA国际影视传媒渕uch easierSA国际影视传媒� in comparison to the old health centre, says Michael Blake, nurse-in-charge at the Kinngait Health Centre, while giving a tour of the new facility.
It was built with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or traditional knowledge in mind, according to health centre staff, featuring large open spaces and plenty of windows.
Included among the expanded facilities are prenatal/obstetric emergency care, mental health, additional dental space, pharmaceutical and emergency services.
The expanded emergency services include a new ambulance service, a welcome change to the community according to Kinngait resident Olayou Charlie.
New SA国际影视传媒渃alming roomsSA国际影视传媒�, designed as a therapeutic space for clients who may feel overwhelmed or agitated are among the new mental health spaces for the residents of Kinngait.
SA国际影视传媒淲e have two beautiful (new) dental clinics, which is a whole lot better than the closet we had back at the elementary school,SA国际影视传媒� said Blake.
There is room to grow in this new building, as it was SA国际影视传媒渂uilt for future needsSA国际影视传媒�, according to Kinngait mayor Timoon Toonoo, who says, SA国际影视传媒渋tSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot more than we need right now. We will have good services for a long time.SA国际影视传媒�
The inclusion of additional work spaces within the new health centre leave the path open for additional treatments, for example rehab therapy or dental health clinic services to residents, when the appropriate staff is available.
South Baffin MLA and education minister David Joanasie, whose home community is Kinngait, echoed the sentiment that Kinngait is a fast-growing community and needs the additional space.
SA国际影视传媒淟ooking at the communitySA国际影视传媒檚 size, thereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of growth happening SA国际影视传媒� I think the health centreSA国际影视传媒檚 size will be a great complement to support that,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
The opening ceremonies took place at KinngaitSA国际影视传媒檚 community hall, where there was a ceremonial qulliq lighting and speeches by the mayor and visiting ministers.
SA国际影视传媒淚 am proud of the role the Department of Community Government Services has had in the planning, design and construction of this outstanding health care facility. This is much needed critical infrastructure in the community,SA国际影视传媒� said Jeannie Ehaloak, minister of community and government services.
Following a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the health centre, a community lunch was held back at the hall.
SA国际影视传媒淭his new facility demonstrates our governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 commitment to delivering high quality health services to Nunavummiut across the territory,SA国际影视传媒� said health minister Lorne Kusugak.
