Yellowknife (Apr 30/03) - A mix-up involving 5,800 new health care cards has been corrected.

The cards, bearing former addresses, were sent before the problem was spotted.

The Department of Health and Social Services said Tuesday the problem has been remedied.

"We took immediate steps to correct the situation. All those who received incorrect cards were sent a letter explaining the error and new cards were issued," said Laura Seddon, manager of communications with the Department of Health and Social Services.

In the letter, issued April 4, the department said it was aware that some residents affected by this error may have received their misprinted card because the card was re-routed by Canada Post or residents at the former address knew where to forward the card. Others never received theirs.

"If anyone still has an error on their card we urge them to call the administration office at 1-800-661-0830 so they can be sent a corrected one," said Seddon.

The department advises recipients of incorrect cards to destroy them upon receipt of their new one.

The printing error did not affect health care coverage.