Childbirth services temporarily suspended in Rankin Inlet, prenatal care to continue

Public Service Announcement

Childbirth services temporarily suspended in Rankin Inlet, prenatal care to continue

The Department of Health is advising expecting mothers in the Kivalliq region of changes to birthing services offered in Rankin Inlet, due to challenges in the recruitment of midwifes in Nunavut and across Canada.
Until further notice, birthing services in Rankin Inlet are temporarily suspended until necessary staffing levels can be achieved.

While birthing services are unavailable in Rankin Inlet, expecting mothers in the Kivalliq will be assessed and, based on the safest option, be sent to Iqaluit or Winnipeg to deliver.

Prenatal care will continue and additional physician resources and the obstetrics team at Qikiqtani General Hospital will assist in supporting prenatal care for expecting mothers in Rankin Inlet.

The Department of Health is committed to providing midwifery and maternal/newborn health services in Nunavut and is currently reviewing options for the recruitment and retention of midwives to resume birthing services as soon as possible.

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Media Contact:

Chris Puglia
A/Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
@email