A team of obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) at the sole hospital in Kamloops have resigned from their positions, citing severe physician burnout and the challenge of being in two places at once as contributing factors. The group, consisting of all seven ob-gyns at Royal Inland Hospital, made the decision to relinquish their hospital privileges, which means they will no longer offer in-hospital care during labor, delivery, and caesarean sections.
Initially, the doctors mentioned safety concerns due to workload issues and the difficulty in recruiting additional physicians as the primary reasons for their collective departure. However, in a recent media statement, they elaborated on the specific issues that led to their drastic action. They highlighted four main concerns: managing simultaneous call and surgical shifts, the ongoing struggle to attract more ob-gyns, the disproportionate allocation of time to obstetrical work hindering gynecological care, and the resulting burnout experienced by the team.
The ob-gyns revealed that they often work up to 80 hours per week and are frequently required to cover multiple 24-hour call shifts, leading to extended periods of work without rest. Despite raising these issues with the Ministry of Health and Interior Health over the past five months, no resolution was reached. In response, Mark Masterson, Interior Health’s vice-president of medicine, disclosed that the health authority proposed a 25% compensation increase amounting to $700,000 annually to the group, which was declined by the doctors.
Furthermore, an Interior Health job posting for a locum ob-gyn in Kamloops indicated a compensation of $7,117 for a 24-hour shift, with additional after-hours premiums. Masterson clarified that Interior Health did not mandate the ob-gyns to undertake simultaneous emergency call and surgical shifts, emphasizing that the group had autonomy in scheduling and opted for this model of care.
Health Minister Josie Osborne assured that efforts are underway to recruit more ob-gyns, with discussions ongoing with several physicians for potential employment opportunities. She emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the health authority and the physician group to ensure safe and supportive work environments for healthcare providers across British Columbia.
In response to the resignations, a grassroots advocacy group called Maternity Matters Kamloops has emerged, urging action from the health authority and provincial government to safeguard obstetric and gynecological care at Royal Inland Hospital. The group comprises local advocates, birth workers, parents, and others concerned about the impact of the resignations on prenatal and maternity care access in the region.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the healthcare system due to the shortage of doctors and care providers, Osborne reassured the public that appropriate care will be available when needed, despite the recent resignations. The advocacy group emphasized the need to not only recruit and retain ob-gyns but also focus on a comprehensive maternity care approach that includes general practitioners, midwives, maternity nurses, and collaborative care models to best support families.
