The lengthy patient journey in inuit Nunangat

Travel “In the North, The Inuit believe strongly in the benefits of 29h 22min there are great Total distance: 3,481 km a tightly knit community yet they sometimes GRISE FIORD distances to have to travel for days across the country 3 flights fly for treatment and weather to receive proper care. How can we 4 stops is a big factor in flight delays provide better cancer care to those 1 overnight, Resolute Bay or missed connections, but living in rural and remote areas? the biggest impacts are PAULATUK anxiety and physical tiredness travelling long distances.” BEATRICE BERNHARDT, PATIENT VOICE & INUIT TAPIRIIT

KANGIQSUJUAQ KANATAMI CANCER SURVIVOR REPRESENTATIVE

29h Total distance: 1,869 km EDMONTON 9h 15min Total distance: 1,800 km 2 flights 1 flight 4 stops OTTAWA MONTREAL 1 overnight, Inuvik 5 stops

Skedevac in Nunatsiavut Skedevac is an air ambulance service that Scheduled Medical Travel Medevac combines the benefits of Medevac equipped Governed by a Client Travel Policy in most regions, When there is an immediate and urgent need, aircraft and the flexibility of private charter non-emergency medical travel is provided by Medevac is the emergency air ambulance service services. Skedevac is a scheduled service scheduled airline providers under contract of the that flies patients from their home communities operated by Air Labrador under contract to provincial or territorial health departments. to the nearest hospital that can provide Labrador Grenfell Health and provided by appropriate treatment. dedicated Twin Otter aircraft. Skedevac services the communities in Happy Valley - Goose Bay, and operates only on Monday, Source: The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (2012). Cancer Control in blog.cancerview.ca Inuit Nunangat. Toronto ON: Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Wednesday, and Friday each week.