INUVIK - It's not unusual for Kristin Purdy and her husband Brett to get a call from Dr. Peter Boronowski on a Saturday morning, checking on how Kristin is doing.

Kristin is six and half months pregnant, and the couple couldn't be more pleased with the guidance and care Boronowski has provided since her first check up.

Expectant couple Kristin and Brett Purdy are happy with the care they've received from staff at the Inuvik Regional Hospital. A new program at the hospital is training staff to handle birthing emergencies. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

The Saturday phone call, Kristin said, is just a reflection of his commitment to the job.

Boronowski, who is chief of staff at Inuvik Regional Hospital, has taken a leading role in establishing a program at the hospital aimed at training staff to deal with difficult deliveries.

"We learn how to manage labour that slowed down or is not going well, whether there's bleeding after the baby is born," he said.

"It's about all those kinds of emergencies that you only get really good at if you practise and practise."

The program, called Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently, is a three-year training initiative where nurses and doctors work together to master the many challenges of the obstetrics unit.

The hospital is required to implement the program by Accreditation Canada, a not-for-profit group which monitors health care in Canada. The program was originally developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and more than 150 hospitals in Canada are participating in the program.

It was introduced in Inuvik last month and requires the hospital team to meet every two weeks for workshops and education sessions both in the hospital and online. There will also be problem-solving exercises, hands-on skills training, and lots of discussion.

"It was a way for all levels working together, nurses, doctors and students and patients, that assures patient's safety is the uppermost thing in mind," said Boronowski.

He said the majority of the births at the hospital take place without incident, but added you can never take mother and baby safety for granted.

The Purdys said they feel fortunate to have someone like Boronowski to help them along.

"It's a strong relationship that we've both been able to develop with him," said Kristin. "It's always been about talking about ideas and sharing ideas. He's not telling us what to do, he's encouraging us to educate ourselves and make decisions that are best for us."