Interior Health is facing a new wave of mass departures as five neurologists are stepping down from their roles within the health authority. The resignations were initially disclosed by news source Castanet, who interviewed Dr. Niall Davidson, one of the departing neurologists. Dr. Davidson opted not to participate in an interview with CBC News.
The resignations and the causes behind them were confirmed by Adam Thompson, the president of Doctors of B.C. According to Thompson, the pivotal moment arrived last month when all neurologists in the region were informed that they would be required to offer on-call neurological services to the entire health authority area, rather than solely to their local community. Despite several neurologists expressing concerns about the feasibility of this arrangement, the decision was still implemented.
Thompson highlighted that the resigning neurologists were tasked with providing on-call coverage through phone and internet services, which raised apprehensions regarding workload levels. This scenario echoes past incidents at Interior Health, such as the collective resignation of obstetricians and gynecologists at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops last October due to escalating work demands. Similarly, in the same period, four psychiatrists left Vernon Jubilee Hospital, prompting discussions about workload issues.
Between 2023 and 2025, seven pediatricians also resigned from Kelowna General Hospital, leading to the release of an internal report earlier this year that pointed to strained relationships and decreased trust between physicians and Interior Health Authority leadership.
Adam Thompson emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration and stressed the importance of listening to frontline healthcare workers who possess valuable insights into improving patient care delivery. He advocated for a more inclusive approach that incorporates the perspectives and ideas of physicians in addressing the challenges faced across various specialty services in the province.
Dr. Kirstie McLelland, the executive medical director of clinical operations for Interior Health South, mentioned that communication during the provincial election period was restricted to critical health updates. Regardless, she reassured the public that seeking neurology care when necessary is encouraged, emphasizing Interior Health’s commitment to collaborating with neurologists to fulfill service requirements for patients and communities as outlined in the Medical Staff Rules and Bylaws.
