In Kamloops, British Columbia, all ob-gyns at Royal Inland Hospital have collectively announced their resignation, causing concern among expectant parents. The group of seven doctors cited safety issues due to workload changes and ongoing recruitment challenges as reasons for their decision to depart from their full-scope ob-gyn practices. According to a letter dated Saturday, doctors Hilary Baikie, Jennifer Kozic, Paula Lott, Erin Adams, Michael Hsiao, Rita Chuang, and Christine Sutton expressed uncertainty about the future of obstetrics in the community, especially with the impending loss of the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics group.
Once replacements are secured, the ob-gyns will cease providing in-hospital care, including labor, delivery, and caesarean sections. They emphasized the significant impact on low- and high-risk obstetrics in Kamloops and urged the Interior Health Authority to enhance support for women’s health. The doctors outlined plans for a phased withdrawal of patient care, with some continuing outpatient gynecology work.
While Interior Health President and CEO Sylvia Weir assured patients of a smooth transition plan in collaboration with Perinatal Services B.C., B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Osborne highlighted the shortage of healthcare professionals, specifically in maternity services, and revealed efforts to recruit more ob-gyns by offering increased compensation and expanding training capacity.
Despite the government’s initiatives, B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar criticized the lack of long-term planning for maternity care in Kamloops and warned of potential repercussions for other regions facing similar challenges. The resignations have underscored the pressing need for sustained support and strategic solutions in women’s healthcare across the province.