With service interruptions and staff morale in the spotlight, Interior Health (IH) CEO Susan Brown says she香蕉视频直播檚 listening and working toward solutions.
In a media release, Brown acknowledged that the health authority is facing serious pressure and staffing challenges. But she says her team is working to fix them.
香蕉视频直播淟et me be clear. I remain committed to listening to frontline staff and leaders and understanding how our leadership team can better support them in delivering high-quality, team-based care.香蕉视频直播�
Her statement comes amid ongoing criticism about service disruptions and internal tensions at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), including the temporary closure of the pediatric unit. Doctors have raised concerns publicly about leadership, staffing, and morale香蕉视频直播攕parking community frustration and calls for action.
香蕉视频直播淚 acknowledge that IH is facing significant pressures,香蕉视频直播� Brown said. 香蕉视频直播淭here is a growing demand for health care services, here at IH and across the province.香蕉视频直播�
She pointed to a tight labour market for doctors, nurses, and other professionals as a major cause.
香蕉视频直播淭his has contributed to challenges, including temporary service interruptions in emergency departments and specialized services such as pediatrics and obstetrics,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淚 want to acknowledge and thank everyone who continues to show up for patients and families, especially during times of uncertainty.香蕉视频直播�
Brown noted that she and her leadership team have held 香蕉视频直播渄ozens of meetings香蕉视频直播� with hospital physicians and department heads to better understand the situation. She also acknowledged hearing 香蕉视频直播渃oncerns about culture香蕉视频直播� in the emergency and pediatrics units.
香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檝e also seen behaviour that is unproductive and not in alignment with the values of IH 香蕉视频直播� quality, integrity, compassion and safety,香蕉视频直播� she said.
Brown confirmed the goal is to reopen the pediatric unit at KGH by the end of the current six-week closure period.
She also addressed recent reports about dysfunction at KGH.
香蕉视频直播淚 continue to hear sensationalized misinformation in the media and beyond, but I want our community to know that KGH is, and continues to be, a priority for me and IH,香蕉视频直播� Brown said.
Brown said that some of the concerns being raised fall outside Interior Health香蕉视频直播檚 jurisdiction. She pointed to physician pay models and service agreements as examples, saying those are negotiated between the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC.
She added that IH香蕉视频直播檚 focus will stay on providing 香蕉视频直播渟afe, high-quality care香蕉视频直播� and supporting its health care teams.
香蕉视频直播淎s both CEO and a member of our community, I remain committed to that mission, and to leading IH with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the communities we serve.香蕉视频直播�
Kelowna-Mission Conservative MLA has called for Brown's resignation. She announced her retirement earlier this year and will step down in December.
IH Stats:
- KGH香蕉视频直播檚 operating budget in 2025 is $558 million, up 81 per cent since 2020. Includes $250 million in new funding over the last five years;
- Staffing has increased by 600 full-time equivalent positions, a 30 per cent boost since 2020;
- An additional $278 million has been invested in capital improvements from 2015 to 2025.
