Erin Fletcher
Northern News Services

Holman (Sep 08/03) - The two-decade old Holman Health Centre is getting a much needed "spruce up" over the next six months.

The building, which serves most of the health needs of the 400-person community, is getting an internal make-over.

"We're sprucing the building up and outfitting it to continue on for the next 10 to 20 years," said Brian Lemax, superintendent for the Inuvik region office of the GNWT Department of Public Works and Services.

The $2.6 million project -- which includes the renovations and the temporary centre -- is part of an upgrade rotation plan for the entire region.

The Holman plans include a building code upgrade to the equipment and electrical outlets, a bigger space for the X-ray equipment, a new entrance and reception area and a larger emergency room.

A Hercules helicopter flew in a three trailer temporary health clinic to Holman in early July. It will be used until the renovations are complete.

The health centre starting operating out of the temporary location at the end of August.

"It will likely create some disruptions," said Bonnie Lee, director of client services at Health and Social Services in Inuvik.

"Anytime you're setting up temporary facilities you are going to get some glitches."

But so far so good. She said the nurses are "very happy" with the renovation plans.

She said the old building was inefficient -- from the space to the heating.

"It's just in need of repair," she said.

The renovations should be complete by February or March, said Lemax.

After the renovations are done, the temporary health centre will be moved to Sachs Harbour, where renovations are set to start next August on their aging facility. Paulatuk may be in line after Sachs Harbour, but no formal plans have been made yet, said Lemax.

The staff, whose apartments are also located in the health centre, have been moved to leased housing in the community until the renovations are complete.