Due to a staff shortage, the Department of Health has temporarily closed the Pond Inlet health centre from Dec.13-18.

The closure is subject to change based on staff availability.

During this period, paramedics will be on site instead to provide emergency or life-threatening treatment. In addition, virtual health services will be made available to support residents of Pond Inlet.

Any calls to emergency will continue to go to the health centre, and will then be directed to a virtual support service or forwarded on to other communities.

This may cause a delay in service time, but the Department of Health encourages callers to continue to stay on hold until their call is answered. Support staff will be available via phone to assist with support services, such as prescriptions and medical travel.

The tuberculosis (TB) program and other home care services will continue as usual with minimal interruptions.

The Department of Health stated that it is working with the Government of Nunavut and other territorial partners to offer continued access to necessary health services during this turbulent period.