B.C. seeks to assure patients OB/GYN services available after resignations

B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne is seeking to assure patients that obstetrical services will still be available after all seven specialists at a Kamloops hospital tendered their resignation in protest of what they called unsafe working conditions.

Ms. Osborne said the seven obstetrician-gynecologists at Royal Inland Hospital are working with the local health authority, Interior Health, on a 90-day transition plan, after which there is expected to be a phased withdrawal of the OB/GYNs’ services.

In the short-term, the province is hoping to expedite the hiring of shortlisted OB/GYN candidates and fill service gaps with locums at a daily rate of $7,100 each, with overnight premiums.