A group of pediatricians has spoken out against Interior Health’s (IH) handling of the doctor shortage crisis at Kelowna General Hospital. They claim there are only four pediatricians and one newborn specialist currently working at the facility.
Concerns Raised
The pediatricians have warned IH about the impending crisis for years, but their concerns were reportedly ignored until it became too late. In 2023, seven pediatricians left KGH, although many continue to practice clinically in Kelowna despite leaving their hospital positions.
Leadership Mismanagement
The pediatricians attribute the crisis to IH’s leadership mismanagement, which has resulted in a severely under-resourced pediatrics program. This situation has led to:
- Burnout among staff
- Decreased patient safety
Dr. Alysha MacKenzie-Feder stated, “What we need is a program with adequate pediatric services that physicians want to come to and will stay in.”
Importance of Support and Leadership
Dr. MacKenzie-Feder emphasizes the need for adequate support and a positive working environment to retain doctors in pediatric programs. She highlights the importance of effective leadership, which includes:
- Transparency
- Communication
- Listening to staff
“Things like leadership providing transparency & communication & listening to those on the ground… hearing changes required,” she noted in an interview.
Impact on Patient Care
The situation raises significant concerns about patient care due to inadequate staffing levels in KGH’s pediatrics department. Pediatrician shortages can severely impact patients’ health outcomes when hospitals are understaffed.
Call for Action
Kelowna General Hospital requires more resources allocated to its pediatrics department to ensure that patients receive quality care from experienced healthcare professionals. This is essential for providing timely treatment without overwhelming workloads or burnout caused by understaffing.
Residents are encouraged to be aware of this ongoing issue affecting healthcare quality in their community. They can advocate for change by:
- Contacting local representatives
- Actively participating in public forums held throughout the year
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