British Columbia’s health minister faces criticism due to a maternity care crisis in the province following the resignation of a group of obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) and a letter signed by over 100 supporting doctors. Seven ob-gyns at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops disclosed on October 11 that they would no longer provide in-hospital care during labor, delivery, and caesarian sections once replacements are secured due to severe physician burnout.
After the announcement, the vice-president and former president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of B.C. released a letter backing the resigning doctors. The letter, endorsed by around 130 ob-gyns, addressed the health minister and Interior Health CEO, highlighting years of advocacy for improved care access and ignored warnings of an impending maternity crisis.
In response to the resignations, Conservative member Peter Milobar inquired about the province’s plan during a question period. Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that Interior Health is collaborating with the physicians on a transition plan and actively recruiting doctors, including 12 potential new hires from other areas. Osborne assured expecting mothers and those with high-risk pregnancies that care at Royal Inland Hospital will still be available.
However, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of B.C. criticized the province’s recruitment strategy as “unrealistic” in their letter. They expressed concerns about the supervision and support for new recruits in an already strained environment, questioning the reliance on locum physicians. They emphasized the need for a sustainable solution and declined to participate in temporary coverage plans under current conditions.
Interior Health emphasized that the resigning doctors are welcome to reconsider staying. Mark Masterson, vice-president of medicine with Interior Health, mentioned that the Ministry of Health’s compensation increase offer remains open despite the physicians’ rejection. Dr. Chelsea Elwood, the SOGBC vice-president, emphasized that addressing safety issues, burnout, and recruitment challenges is crucial to reinstating the ob-gyns.
The issue goes beyond compensation, as per Elwood, who highlighted safety concerns and burnout as significant factors. Opposition health critic Anna Kindy from the Conservative Party of B.C. criticized the government for neglecting healthcare issues leading to staff shortages and unsustainable workloads. A rally in Kamloops organized by Maternity Matters Kamloops demanded immediate action from the B.C. government, drawing over 200 attendees.
