Interior Health faces a new wave of mass resignations as five neurologists in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia are stepping down from their positions within the health authority. The departures were initially highlighted by Castanet, where Dr. Niall Davidson, one of the resigning neurologists, expressed his concerns. Dr. Davidson declined an interview request from CBC News.
The resignations and their underlying causes were confirmed by Adam Thompson, the president of Doctors of B.C. According to Thompson, the pivotal moment occurred last month when all neurologists in the area were informed that they would be required to provide on-call neurological services for the entire health authority region, rather than just their local community. Despite several neurologists expressing reservations about the feasibility of this approach, the decision proceeded.
Thompson mentioned that the resigning neurologists were being tasked with offering on-call coverage not only locally but also for the entire South Okanagan region through telephone and internet services, which raised concerns about workload levels.
This is not the first instance of a mass resignation at Interior Health. In October of last year, all obstetricians and gynecologists at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops resigned due to escalating workload demands. Additionally, four psychiatrists left Vernon Jubilee Hospital around the same time, leading to discussions about workload concerns. Between 2023 and 2025, seven pediatricians also resigned from Kelowna General Hospital, prompting an internal report citing deteriorating working relations.
Adam Thompson emphasized the necessity for increased collaboration, stressing the importance of listening to frontline healthcare workers who offer valuable insights into improving patient care delivery. He advocated for a more inclusive approach that involves health authorities working alongside physicians to address challenges in various specialty services within the province.
Dr. Kirstie McLelland, the executive medical director of clinical operations for Interior Health South, noted that communication during the provincial election period was restricted to critical health information, limiting the details she could disclose. However, McLelland reassured the public that despite the resignations, individuals should not hesitate to seek neurology care when necessary. She reiterated Interior Health’s commitment to working closely with neurologists across the region to fulfill the obligations outlined in the Medical Staff Rules and Bylaws, ensuring the delivery of services that cater to the needs of patients and communities.