After the Leaf Rapids Health Centre temporarily closed its doors due to staffing and high-water issues in the community, MKO is requesting the province and the Northern Health Authority to re-open the facility as soon as possible.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee states in a press release that many MKO citizens live in Leaf Rapids, and that the organization is concerned about the residents’ ability to access healthcare services should an emergency arise.

The release says that Settee and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Marcel Moody met with the NRHA regarding options in reopening the health centre, as there is only one ambulance in Leaf Rapids to serve the community.

A spokesperson for the NRHA says the health authority does have contingency plans in place to serve the community during this time.

The health centre temporarily closed beginning last Tuesday, and is expected to be reopened on Monday.