The resignation of the entire OB/GYN department at a hospital in Kamloops, along with over 100 physicians expressing their support in a public letter, continues to haunt the British Columbia health minister.
In the provincial legislature’s Question Period, BC Conservative caucus members grilled Health Minister Josie Osborne about the potential impact on patients.
Anna Kindy, MLA for North Island and health critic for the shadow cabinet, voiced her frustration to 1130 NewsRadio, blaming the lack of a substantial response from the health authority and government for allowing the situation to escalate.
Kindy emphasized that the resignations were not impulsive but a result of unbearable and unsafe working conditions that were ignored despite efforts to address them.
She stands with OB/GYN professionals across the province who are demanding sustainable solutions to support overworked physicians.
Kindy criticized the healthcare system’s short-term approach to employee burnout, advocating for increased support for doctors and the creation of safer work environments.
She highlighted the strain on healthcare providers due to operating at or above capacity, stressing the urgent need to address the challenges faced by frontline workers.
In a bid to resolve the crisis, Health Minister Osborne expressed confidence in Interior Health and physicians coming together for discussions to prioritize patient care and find common ground.