Pediatric ward at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) set to close on May 26. This decision is a direct response to the alarming national shortage of pediatricians. The closure is expected to remain in effect for at least six weeks. This alarming trend has local parents and community members worried about their children losing access to a vital universal healthcare service.
Dr. Hussam Azzam, executive medical director of community and maternity at Interior Health, said the decision to close the ward was difficult. To continue providing important services such as the neonatal intensive care unit and high risk deliveries, this action was essential. As it stands, the hospital has just ten beds in its pediatric ward, which will be briefly out of commission during this period.
Interior Health anticipates a new pediatrician to join the team in July. This new staffing addition is a great step to start tackling the staffing issues. In the meantime, parents need to find other care arrangements for their children.
We know this is a controversial decision and that many in the public are concerned and fearful. Ultimately, that was the least bad decision we had to make to keep the pediatricians on our staff safe. Dr. Azzam stated. He reassured parents by adding, “I just want to make sure everybody is re-assured that your child will receive the care they need.”
Though opposed to the conversion, local parents have shared their concerns about the closing. Helen Chong, a mother of two young children, described how the policy would harm pediatric care. The situation was “very scary,” according to Kaitlyn Polmear. Similarly, Dr. Smith highlighted the considerable stress that most families feel, especially when we have so few pediatric services.
In a statement, B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne recognized the difficulties posed by this reality. She reminded interviewers that the province is working to address the lack of pediatricians serving Kelowna. This entire effort has spanned all of BC. “Opening a brand new medical school in Surrey, opening in September 2026 to its first intake of students, expanding the UBC medical school, adding residency seats, and working to streamline the credentialing process for people coming from other provinces, from other countries,” Osborne stated, outlining potential long-term solutions to the ongoing healthcare staffing issues.
Local health authorities continue to bust their tails trying to work around these challenges. In the meantime, parents must remain aware of other care options while this closure continues.
