What is the regional policy on active management of waiting lists to improve access to services?
- This Policy helps ensure better access to health services in Nunavik by reducing missed appointments. When patients don’t show up or cancel too late, it creates delays for others and wastes valuable time and resources.
- This policy applies to all medical appointments, tests, procedures, and consultations in Nunavik and out-of-region.
Your Rights Under the policy:
- You have the right to be treated with respect, cultural safety, and understanding.
- You’ll be informed when you’re added to a waiting list
- You’ll receive reminders for your appointments
- You can ask for:
- A clear explanation of the appointment
- To be consulted about availability
- To reschedule if the date doesn’t work for you
- The contact information for your appointment
- A written confirmation of the appointment
Your responsibilities Under the policy:
- Keep your contact information up to date
- Call your CLSC if you can’t attend your appointment
- Ask questions to your care team if you don’t understand where to go or why your appointment is important
- Let your care team know if something keeps you from attending more than once
What happens if I miss or delay an appointment?
- If you miss, postpone, or refuse three appointments without a valid reason, your request may be removed from the waiting list.
What is a valid reason to cancel or miss an appointment?
We understand that life can be unpredictable. Sometimes people miss appointments for good reasons — weather, travel issues, or family emergencies.
That’s okay. But it’s important to let your CLSC know as soon as possible.
Some examples include:
- A snowstorm or bad weather
- A flight delay
- A family emergency
- Illness
If something like this happens, just call your CLSC. Your appointment will not count against you if your reason is valid.
Tools & Resources
- Download the patient 1-pager (PDF)
- Download the poster in English, French, and Inuktitut
- Read the full regional policy on active management of waiting lists to improve access to services for Nunavik residents (PDF)
Listen to our radio messages
Scheduled to air on TNI through the month of February, these three short messages explain:
- Why every appointment matters
- What to do if you can’t attend
- Why it’s important to keep your contact information up to date
[Listen in English] | [Écouter en français] | [ᐅᖃᓕᒫᖅᑐᑦ ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ]
Questions? Contact your CLSC
