Seven obstetrician gynecologists have recently resigned from their in-hospital privileges at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, British Columbia, under the Interior Health authority.
Dr. Mark Masterson, the vice-president of medicine at Interior Health, confirmed that the departing doctors comprise the entire department. However, he assured the public that there will be no disruption to obstetric or gynecology services at the hospital despite the resignations.
The decision to resign was communicated to community health care providers in a letter dated Oct. 11, outlining concerns regarding safety issues stemming from workload changes and recruitment challenges that have persisted over the years. The letter also highlighted issues surrounding maternity care capacity at the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics Clinic operating within the hospital.
While the health authority expressed disappointment over the resignations, efforts had been made to address the doctors’ needs, including improvements to operating theatre access, establishment of specialized clinics for different risk cases, and recruitment initiatives.
In response to the development, the Ministry of Health and Interior Health are collaborating to ensure a coordinated transition plan that allows for the continuation of services. The departing doctors will focus on outpatient gynecology work, working closely with regulatory bodies to meet professional standards.
Patients are advised to continue seeking care at Royal Inland Hospital, where their needs will be assessed and managed appropriately. Those on surgical waitlists will receive direct communication regarding their health management.
Despite the changes, the hospital remains fully operational, with a commitment from health officials to ensure continued care provision for the community in the short and long term.