Nunavik health board developing local rehabilitation services

Nunavik residents could have greater access to specialized rehabilitation services closer to home through a new partnership aimed at providing orthotics, prosthetics and positioning services within the region.

The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services announced the partnership Oct. 13 in a news release with Quebec Health Centre-West-of-Montreal University and the Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre.

With the initiative, residents will have access to equipment fitting and follow-up care without needing to travel outside the region for some services.

Orthotics are devices, such as braces or specially fitted supports, that help stabilize or protect parts of the body. Prosthetics are artificial limbs or other devices that replace a missing body part. Positioning services involve selecting and adapting equipment, such as wheelchairs, seating systems and other supports.

A technologist specializing in orthotics, prosthetics and orthopedic care will be regularly present in Nunavik, the release said.

Assessments and moulding will be conducted in local communities, allowing patients to receive some services without travelling south.

When devices must be manufactured in Montreal, they will be transported back to Nunavik for fitting and delivery to patients.

The initiative is intended to improve access to specialized care, support continuity of treatment and provide services adapted to the realities of Nunavik’s communities, the release said.

The announcement does not specify when the services will begin, which communities will be served first or how frequently the specialized technologist will visit the region.

Nunatsiaq News reached out to the health board for further information but did not receive a response at the time of publication.