Independent review finds years of strain led to pediatric crisis at Kelowna’s hospital

Years of strained relations and mounting workload pressures culminated in a pediatric service disruption at Kelowna General Hospital in 2025, according to an independent review commissioned by Interior Health (IH). The 16-page report by Harbour West Consulting confirmed physicians had repeatedly warned IH of a potential crisis, stating that "without structural and relational improvements, future service disruptions remain a significant risk." The pediatric ward was forced to close for seven weeks in May 2025.

“

It’s quite vindicating to see the exact concerns that we had raised last year come out and be confirmed.

The review identified reduced trust and deteriorating relationships between physicians and IH leadership as key factors. This led to a wave of pediatrician resignations, with seven leaving in 2023 alone, ultimately hindering the department's ability to sustain services. The report noted that sustainability was constrained by these "relational challenges" and an over-reliance on "goodwill to ensure service delivery."

“

Without structural and relational improvements, future service disruptions remain a significant risk.

Dr. Adam Thompson, president of Doctors of B.C., expressed that the report vindicated physicians' concerns and highlighted an opportunity for IH to have addressed problems proactively. BC's health minister deferred comment to IH, where no one was available to answer questions. IH stated its focus is on rebuilding trust and improving communication and issue escalation.

“

I think it showed that there was an opportunity for Interior Health to have proactively addressed the problems…at the time the doctors raised the concerns, rather than when it hit the crisis point.

Sylvia Weir, IH's president and CEO, emphasized a commitment to changing how the health authority listens and engages, fostering a culture of open communication, accountability, and respect. Thompson acknowledged IH's outlined proactive measures but stated, "We'll have to wait and see." Conservative MLA Gavin Dew believes more work is needed across the health region, citing ongoing whistleblower reports of new issues and a persistent "culture problem" and "organizational problem" within Interior Health.

“

I have been focused on changing how we listen and engage across IH, supporting a culture grounded in open, two way communication, accountability and respect.