NTHSSA

Featured, Health, News February 17, 2023

New Indigenous Patient Advocates aim to break down barriers to care

Four new advocates aim to help patients overcome obstacles of language, culture, geography


Glenda Simon has been in the healthcare sector for 25 years, and has seen firsthand the barriers Indigenous people face accessing care. “I don’t like seeing patients struggle through the health system, it breaks my heart,” she says. Now, Simon is one of the new Indigenous Patient Advocates with the…

Featured, Health, News November 2, 2022

NTHSSA deficit nearly quadrupled in six years: Report

"Without reforms to achieve better value from existing health system resources now, the GNWT may be forced to reduce healthcare services in the future," the report reads


Last updated on Nov. 3 at 4:15 p.m.   The deficit of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has quadrupled in the six years since its creation, according to a report by a Legislative Assembly standing committee. Members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, including Yellowknife North…

Featured, News June 30, 2021

Indigenous Patient Advocates coming to NWT acute care units

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is establishing Indigenous Patient Advocate positions in each acute care unit in the territory. Julie Green, minister of Health and Social Services, said in a press release the positions will aim to improve safety, patient experience as well as bridge cultural…

Community, Featured, Health, News January 8, 2021

Lack of engagement creating ‘barriers’ for COVID vaccine rollout: MLA Semmler

GNWT says special vaccine characteristics easier to account for with mobile teams.


Lesa Semmler says she feels like the territorial government is trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA says the GNWT should do more to leverage local healthcare workers in the regional centres to get the vaccine to communities. The COVID-19…

Community, Featured, Health, News January 7, 2021

Yellowknife COVID testing site moves to ensure enough space

The new testing site will be located at 108 Archibald Street, across from the Folk on the Rocks location.


The COVID-19 testing site in Yellowknife has moved for the sake of space. The NWT Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) announced the move from the primary care clinic to 108 Archibald Street. The move is to ensure the testing site has adequate surge capacity and reduces the impact on…

Featured, Health, News August 4, 2020

Health Authority to improve privacy policies after commissioner’s report

The organization received criticism from the privacy commissioner after medical documents were allegedly discovered at a landfill in Fort Simpson in 2018


The NWT health authority says it is improving privacy and document storage after a report from the privacy commissioner criticized the organization’s safeguards. The report investigated a 2018 incident where health records were allegedly recovered at the Fort Simpson landfill. “The incident in Fort Simpson has been a critical event…

Featured, Health, News July 27, 2020

Stanton Territorial Hospital services disrupted

Sterilization device malfunctions have reduced capacity for surgical services at Stanton.


Stanton Territorial Hospital is experiencing some equipment malfunctions with its sterilization services. The Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) says in a press release, the malfunctions were due to wet packs — moisture left after the sterilization process. “This issue was flagged immediately and that no improperly sterilized equipment was…

Community, Featured, Health, News October 18, 2019

NWT Disabilities Council will continue to run Sobering Centre/Day Shelter; Good Neighbour Agreement signed

The Northwest Territories Disability Council will continue to run the Yellowknife Day Shelter and Sobering Centre in the city’s downtown. The NWT’s Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) announced Friday that the disabilities council is the successful proponent after a request for proposals seeking bids for an operator for the…