NÂTIMÂCHÂUKIMIKW - MOBILE HEALTH UNIT

With the Mobile Health Unit (MHU), the CBHSSJB is ensuring Eeyou Istchee is ready to respond to health emergencies by augmenting, complementing or replacing existing healthcare capacities in times of crisis.
 

• developing a mobile nonsurgical health unit capable of operating in arctic and subarctic conditions, designed for light transportation and rapid set-up, based on risk mapping;
• building an emergency-competent workforce composed of Cree and non-Cree workers and professionals based in Eeyou Istchee;
• sharing expertise in the delivery of emergency health services for Northern communities;
• bringing essential healthcare to remote communities in Eeyou Istchee. 

The MHU is being developed around the four pillars of an Emergency Response Unit, including the continuous availability, readiness and agility of responders, equipment (kits, warehousing, procurement, replenishment), workforce (people and training), policies and processes, and sustainability.
 

DEPLOYMENTS
 

While the MHU development is still ongoing, existing tents and equipment were deployed under former iterations of the project, notably the Emergency Response Unit or Mobile Hospital Unit.

• In 2021, three tents were deployed to house Chisasibi elders for eight months after a fire destroyed their housing.
• In 2022, two tents were deployed at the Regional Hospital to support triage and a waiting room during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In 2023, consultation room kits were deployed to support the Waswanipi CMC, during a flood.
• In 2024, a partial simulation was held in Waskaganish.
• In 2024, the first full-scale deployment was held during the Eeyou Istchee Summer Games, in Mistissini, to provide care to athletes and preserve the local CMC’s service offer.
   

Coming soon, a full-scale training is planned to build a competent workforce. Interested in supporting a future deployment? Submit your interest with your detailed resume to 18TCR.MHU@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.
 

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
 

The Mobile Health Unit is a result of close collaboration and many efforts between the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, the Canadian Red Cross, the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, the Cree Nation of Waswanipi and the Cree Nation Government. 

The Canadian Red Cross is providing us with consulting services for the implementation of the Mobile Health Unit. In return, we are sharing knowledge in understanding the realities of the northern climate and land to honour Cree territory, population and culture.