All obstetrician-gynecologists at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops, B.C., have collectively decided to step down from their positions, causing concern among some expectant parents about the future of maternity care at the hospital. In a letter dated Saturday, the group of seven doctors cited safety concerns stemming from changing workloads and ongoing recruitment challenges as the reasons for their departure. The doctors, namely Hilary Baikie, Jennifer Kozic, Paula Lott, Erin Adams, Michael Hsiao, Rita Chuang, and Christine Sutton, emphasized the unique nature of their joint resignation, pointing to the challenging obstetrics landscape in the community and the impending loss of the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics group.
Following the departure of the ob-gyns, they will no longer offer in-hospital services such as labor, delivery, and cesarean sections until suitable replacements are secured. Expressing hopes that the significant loss of obstetrics services in Kamloops will prompt the Interior Health Authority to enhance support for women’s health, the doctors outlined plans for a gradual phase-out of patient care. While several physicians intend to continue providing outpatient gynecology services in their offices, notices will be sent out for the phased withdrawal of in-hospital care, and surgical patients on waitlists will be contacted individually to arrange next steps.
The doctors cautioned that RIH’s closure is a consequence of the systemic underfunding of women’s healthcare, warning that it may not be the only facility affected by such issues in the future. Despite attempts to reach out to the doctors for interviews, all declined comment. Expectant mother Brianna Jones expressed apprehension about her delivery, particularly given her advanced maternal age and the uncertainty surrounding the resignations.
Interior Health president and CEO Sylvia Weir assured that the health authority, in collaboration with Perinatal Services B.C., is actively involved in transition planning to ensure continuity of patient care. Weir acknowledged the doctors’ burnout concerns and acknowledged the recruitment challenges in obstetrics, not only in British Columbia but nationwide. Health Minister Josie Osborne acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, attributing it to a shortage of healthcare professionals in critical areas like maternity services. The government is in the process of finalizing new contract offers to enhance compensation, support workload, and attract and retain obstetricians. Plans are also underway to increase training seats to accommodate more ob-gyns.
Despite these efforts, B.C. Conservative MLA for Kamloops Centre, Peter Milobar, expressed shock at the resignations and highlighted the need for a long-term strategy for maternity care in Kamloops. The situation has raised concerns for other regions about the stability of their own maternity services.