Home / Health / Kelowna Hospital Culture: Trust Erodes, Relations Sour
Kelowna Hospital Culture: Trust Erodes, Relations Sour
19 Jun
Summary
- Independent review cites reduced trust and deteriorating relations at KGH.
- Pediatric unit faced staff shortages and closures between 2023-2025.
- Interior Health claims recruitment success and improved communication pathways.
An independent review of Kelowna General Hospital's (KGH) workplace culture, conducted by Harbour West Consulting and commissioned by Interior Health Authority (IHA), has highlighted a significant breakdown in trust and working relations between physicians and IHA leadership. This review was initiated following persistent issues within the hospital's pediatric unit.
The hospital's pediatric unit has grappled with substantial problems in recent years, including a shortage of medical staff and a months-long closure in the summer of 2025. Between 2023 and 2025, the number of full-time equivalent pediatricians at KGH plummeted from 12 to 4.5, with several doctors citing sustainability concerns.
Physicians expressed that their concerns were often dismissed by IHA leadership over several years, leading to expressed anger and public commentary. The review indicates that pediatricians had been advocating for increased coverage since at least 2019 due to Kelowna's growing population and the increasing complexity of patients.
Interior Health's interim CEO, Sylvia Weir, acknowledged past issues but stated that the situation has since improved. She reported that the pediatric unit has added team members, a new chief of staff has been appointed at KGH, and recruitment efforts are yielding positive results, with two more pediatricians expected by fall 2026, alongside enhanced neonatology support.
Weir also emphasized improvements in communication and issue-escalation processes, suggesting a more positive environment in department meetings. However, political figures like Conservative MLA Gavin Dew suggest that despite some progress, significant work remains to restore the health-care system, noting the Minister of Health has not yet commented on the report.
