On October 11, seven obstetrician-gynecologists at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, BC made their resignation known. They listed severe burnout and untenable working conditions as the top factors leading to their choice. Until new doctors can be found, the resigning physicians will stop providing in-hospital care for labor, delivery, and cesarean sections. This significant development has raised alarms regarding the availability of maternity care in the region, prompting widespread support from the medical community and local residents.
The resignations have captured the imagination of more than 100 fellow physicians, who signed an open letter standing in support of their colleagues and their extreme step. As noted, Maternity Matters Kamloops really got to work this past weekend. This firecracker group of advocates, health-care workers, and parents swung into action proactively due to the circumstances. More than 200 people joined virtually for the event. They called for immediate action from the British Columbia provincial government to address the urgent lack of ob-gyns in their community.
Government Response and Acknowledgment
B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne came into the legislature’s recent question period realizing the province faces an “unprecedented and growing” physician shortage. She emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis but noted that negotiations regarding physicians’ working conditions should occur outside of the legislative assembly.
“Those negotiations take place at a table, not here in this House, not during question period,” – Josie Osborne
Osborne mentioned the opening of a new medical school in Surrey as a potential long-term solution to alleviate physician shortages across British Columbia. Community members and medical professionals alike are rightly skeptical to believe that this new measure will be enough to overcome new challenges that have surfaced.
“The priority must always be the patients, the families, the people,” – Josie Osborne
Interior Health is working diligently and closely with the departing physicians. Collectively, they are working on a transition plan following these recent departures. The health authority is actively recruiting, including luring 12 prospective new hires from other jurisdictions. To support this, the Ministry of Health is making the credentialing processes for doctors moving to B.C. They’re trying to speed these doctors’ arrival into the workforce.
Concerns Over Temporary Solutions
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of B.C. both said they have severe concerns. They fear having to lean on temporary solutions to make up the differences where the resigning ob-gyns are no longer available. They flagged concerns about the supervision and management of new employees in an already stressed system.
“There are serious concerns about who will supervise and support these new recruits… The use of these short-term stop gaps rather than negotiating fairly with the current OBGYN group has not gone unnoticed,” – Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of B.C.
The insurance society unequivocally rejected the idea of short-term coverage schemes. They adamantly reject any oversight of these new hires as part of a rotten deal. This declaration highlights the overwhelming disappointment expressed by those who provide our nation’s healthcare at how this issue has been handled to date.
The Path Forward
Kamloops reflects an even bigger crisis in healthcare. Burnout as well as broader staffing shortages remain a significant toll, particularly in many rural and underserved areas. Advocates like Anna Kindy voiced concerns about the cascading effects of healthcare service collapse and called for urgent government intervention.
“We’re seeing a domino effect of healthcare services collapsing, and a government pretending it’s fine… Burnout, staff shortages, unsustainable workloads, and bureaucratic mismanagement are pushing OB-GYNs to the brink,” – Anna Kindy
Interior Health has promised a 25% pay increase to the resigning ob-gyns. Our original offer remains an open one, even after they predestined their exit. Mark Masterson from Interior Health expressed a desire to welcome interested physicians back to serve patients at Royal Inland Hospital.
“We would welcome the opportunity to bring the interested physicians back to serve patients at Royal Inland Hospital,” – Mark Masterson
