Pediatric Ward Closure in Kelowna Triggers Fears of Ripple Effect in B.C. Hospitals
- Kelowna General Hospital closed its pediatric ward from May 26 due to limited physician availability, impacting care delivery in British Columbia.
- The closure followed ongoing hospital staffing shortages and a critical family physician shortage threatening maternity care, expected to collapse around June 1.
- Since the closure, seven pediatric patients transferred to other hospitals, increasing pressure on emergency and ambulance services across the region.
- Susan Brown, Interior Health CEO, said the ward closed to preserve high care; she confirmed one pediatrician will arrive in July and others in September.
- This event highlights broader staffing challenges affecting patient safety and care continuity, prompting recruitment efforts amid a strained provincial health system.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Seven children transfered from Kelowna General Hospital amid pediatric unit closure
It’s been just over a week since Kelowna General Hospital’s pediatric unit been closed and, as of Wednesday afternoon, seven children had been transferred to other hospitals for ongoing medical care.
Pediatric ward closure in Kelowna triggers fears of ripple effect in B.C. hospitals – Energeticcity.ca
Dr. Jeff Eppler, an emergency room physician at Kelowna General Hospital, is getting ready for a hectic summer. He’s not only thinking about the typical seasonal spike — but the ripple effects of the closure of the hospital’s dedicated pediatric ward from May 26 to July 4 due to what Interior Health called “limited physician availability.” “It’s very difficult, but then you throw this pediatric service disruption in … (it’s) just going make our …
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