Iqaluit says it’s responding to Michael jury recommendations

The City of Iqaluit says it’s taking action on recommendations made by the jury in the recent coroner’s inquest into the death of Elisapee Michael.

Three of the jury’s 29 recommendations were directed at the city, which operates ambulance services through the Iqaluit Fire Department.

In a news release, senior administrative officer John Hussey said city hall is implementing better patient documentation and starting a review of its computerized dispatch system. The city said it already hired a new building inspector to ensure local buildings meet the national building code.

Michael, 52, died in 2009 after falling down the stairs in front of the Nova Hotel. She was taken to Qikiqtani General Hospital, then to police cells for being drunk and unruly, despite showing signs of a head injury.

She died days later in an Ottawa hospital. The inquest into her death wrapped up April 15, with most of the jury’s recommendations aimed at the RCMP and Nunavut’s healthcare system.