Physician and investigative journalist Dr. Kaitlin Stockton is doing something about it. She filed a civil claim against the Fraser Health Authority in the British Columbia Supreme Court, describing deplorable conditions in two area hospitals. As our environment changes rapidly due to climate, the lawsuit argues that physicians are seeing dangers that threaten patient safety. Dr. Stockton says she was fired after she attempted to warn patients of dangerous conditions in the emergency room. That set off an intense legal wrangle about jurisdiction and the right to speak out in public.
The civil claim arises from a series of troubling incidents at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, where Dr. Stockton publicly criticized wait times by posting a sign in the emergency room on November 18, 2024. In her lawsuit, she describes working conditions in both hospitals as “unpleasant, undignified, and extremely unsafe” for patients. Dr. Stockton alleges that her termination was a result of “constructive dismissal.” She resigned under pressure after receiving threats concerning her ownership of hospital privileges.
Allegations of Unsafe Conditions
Dr. Stockton’s lawsuit uncovers alarming issues with how patients are being cared for inside Fraser Health facilities. She argues that these worsening conditions resulted in more unsafe care, producing a cycle of higher patient acuity and lower quality care. Dangerous conditions have left her no choice but to act. She argues that transparency is necessary to protect the public’s right to know.
“The essence of what I’m trying to do is advocate for transparency and truth and pull back the curtain on health care,” – Dr. Kaitlin Stockton.
Dr. Stockton disclosed that employees at Fraser Health had gone to the trouble of recovering CCTV footage. This video depicts her installing a billboard that condemns the long wait times. After the incident, the medical director at Eagle Ridge Hospital reportedly threatened to terminate her hospital privileges. He wanted her to apologize, acknowledging her misdeeds. These events have only served to harden her determination to take the issue to court.
Legal Proceedings and Fraser Health’s Response
In a statement, the Fraser Health Authority fiercely disputed Dr. Stockton’s claims. As part of their intervention, they are contending that the B.C. Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to consider the case at all. On July 7, they filed a one-page response to jurisdiction. They claimed the issue should be settled in private arbitration, rather than through public litigation. This position has led to quite a bit of controversy over accountability and the public interest.
Kathryn Marshall, Dr. Stockton’s lawyer, has strongly opposed Fraser Health’s stance. She feels that the issues raised, which she describes as extremely important to the public at large, must be presented publicly and openly in court.
“So we disagree with the Fraser Health Authority’s position that the courts don’t have jurisdiction over this case. We believe they do and that, in fact, the courts need to hear this case,” – Marshall.
Marshall stresses the importance of making sure that a “full finding of fact by a judge” takes place to shine a bright light on these issues.
Impact on Healthcare Transparency
Dr. Stockton’s case raises even larger, concerning issues about transparency and accountability in publicly funded healthcare systems. She fears the shift of the proceedings behind closed doors will obscure key issues. These challenges impact patients and personnel alike. Doctors’ exhaustion can lead to patient harm.
“I’m concerned that this is another attempt to hide the truth and to hide what’s going on in our publicly funded health-care system from patients and from taxpayers who really do deserve to know the truth,” – Dr. Kaitlin Stockton.
Through this lawsuit, Dr. Stockton hopes to shed light on conditions that have serious implications for patient care and safety within Fraser Health facilities. In her quest for personal vindication she lobbies for a public trial. Her ultimate hope is to create a more open and honest healthcare landscape.
