Health services

Fort Smith has some of the finest health care services available in the Northwest Territories.

The Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority is composed of six members, plus a chairperson. The Town of Fort Smith, Salt River First Nation, and Fort Smith Métis Council each have two representatives on the board.

Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority

• Phone: (867) 872-6200
• Fax: (867) 872-6275
• Mailing address:  PO Box 1080, Fort Smith, NT  X0E 0P0

The Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority administers a range of community health and social services, including the following:

Fort Smith Health and Social Services Centre

The Fort Smith Health and Social Services Centre is the hub of health care in the community. The building houses the following:

• Emergency centre
• Ambulance bay
• Medical clinic
• Public health clinic
• Birthing rooms
• X-ray and laboratory testing
• Morgue
• Administrative offices
• Medical travel office
• Social services offices

Midwifery Program

The government-funded Midwifery Program has been based out of the health centre since 2005. Pregnant women in Fort Smith have the choice of seeing the midwives or the locum doctors for their prenatal and postpartum care. Women who seek the prenatal care of the midwives also have the choice of staying in the community for the birth. Since midwifery became legislated in the Northwest Territories in 2005, the two practising midwives in Fort Smith have successfully delivered more than 30 babies in the community (2009).

• Phone: (867) 872-6253
• Fax: (867) 872-5516
• Mailing address:  PO Box 995, Fort Smith, NT  X0E 0P0

photo by Jessica CoxNorthern Lights Special Care Home

The Northern Lights Special Care Home is a multi-level care residence with client from all over the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The home provides nursing and personal care, 24-hour supervision, respite and day programs, activities, and meals for seniors and disabled persons.

• Phone: (867) 872-5403
• Fax: (867) 872-5404
• Mailing address:  PO Box 1319, Fort Smith, NT  X0E 0P0

Child welfare facilities

• Polar Crescent Group Home
• Trailcross Treatment Centre

Sutherland House

Sutherland House is a facility for women and children in the community who are seeking shelter from family violence.

Tapwe House 

Tapwe House is the home of the Our Babies, Our Future and Our Kids, Our Future programs for pregnant women, mothers, and young children, as well as the Healthy Families program.

Wellness Centre

The Wellness Centre houses the mental health and addictions treatment programs in the community.