Interior Health Authority in British Columbia has recently made significant changes to the access of neurology services due to a shortage of specialists. In order to prioritize critical and time-sensitive cases such as stroke patients, the health authority has temporarily halted in-person access for general neurology consultations.
A memo obtained by 1130 NewsRadio, dated December 31 and effective as of New Year’s Day, outlined these changes. Dr. Rob Carruthers from Consultant Specialists of BC expressed deep concern over the impact of these changes, emphasizing the importance of timely neurology care for patients in critical conditions.
The shortage of neurologists in the region has been exacerbated by the high demand for stroke care services, leading to the decision to pause general neurology services. Dr. Carruthers highlighted the necessity to maintain stroke services, which has resulted in the temporary closure of the general neurology program.
According to the memo, larger hospitals like Kelowna General and Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops will have other specialists available to assist with neurology consultations in the absence of neurologists. In rural facilities, emergency physicians will collaborate with a virtual team in Vancouver to determine the need for higher-level neurological care and facilitate patient transfers accordingly.
Dr. Carruthers expressed confidence that the decision to pause general neurology services will be revisited in the future. While a proposal for a regional pool of specialists was put forward to address the shortage, it was rejected by Interior Health managers, disappointing many healthcare professionals who are striving to maintain essential services for the community.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to Interior Health for further details on these changes.