B.C.'s health-care system is facing growing pressure in the Thompson Okanagan, where two new waves of doctor retirements are putting additional strain on domestic health care.
Seven obstetricians and gynecologists have resigned from the Royal Inland Hospital in KamloopsBritish Columbia, and four psychiatrists have left Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
The departure comes just months after Kelowna General Hospital's pediatric ward was forced to close due to a shortage of doctors.
Toronto medical malpractice lawyer Sonia Nijjar says the situation reflects an alarming decline in the system.
“We are seeing a real dismantling and disintegration of these systems that are supposed to keep us safe,” Nijjar said.
Receive daily national news
Get the day's top news, political, economic and current affairs headlines delivered to your inbox once a day.
“We should all be concerned about where this is going. This is the government's problem and we need to speak out and demand change.”
Nijjar adds that as staffing shortages worsen, patients must take an active role in protecting themselves in a stressful system.
“Protecting yourself is very important,” she said. “Having family or friends who can speak up for you can make a real difference.”
British Columbia Health Minister Josie Osborne says she remains confident in Interior Health's leadership under newly appointed president and CEO Sylvia Weir.
“The leadership of Interior Health has my complete confidence,” Osborne said. “This is a health authority that continues to do its job and I will continue to support them.”
Osborne confirmed that recruitment efforts are underway in Kamloops and Vernon to fill vacancies created by recent resignations, with four psychiatrists and three obstetricians already having signed offer letters.
Nijjar says these problems are not unique to British Columbia. Similar problems are popping up across the country as hospitals grapple with staff retention and workload issues.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
