Kelowna鈥揗ission MLA Gavin Dew is calling for the immediate resignation of Interior Health CEO Susan Brown, citing what he describes as a growing health care crisis in the Central Okanagan.
鈥淔or weeks, families, healthcare workers, and community leaders across Kelowna and the Central Okanagan have been raising alarms about the state of healthcare in our region,鈥� he said in a statement.
Dew said that since the (KGH), a steady stream of letters and public comments from healthcare professionals鈥攊ncluding pediatricians, gynecologists, specialists, GPs, and frontline workers鈥攈ave made it clear that concern is mounting over the region鈥檚 deteriorating healthcare system.
鈥淧rivate discussions have been even more stark,鈥� he added. 鈥淚t has become painfully clear that the current leadership of Interior Health has lost the confidence of both the people who work there and the people it is meant to serve.鈥�
Brown, who announced her retirement in April, will finish her term in December.
鈥淲e are in a crisis right now, and we cannot wait six months for change,鈥� Dew said. 鈥淎 turnaround of Interior Health cannot happen without rebuilding trust and reopening communication with frontline healthcare workers.鈥�
Dew added that if Brown does not resign, he will call on Minister of Health Josie Osborne to take immediate action to dismiss her and appoint an interim CEO while a permanent leadership transition is completed.
鈥淧remier Eby and Minister Osborne have acknowledged that our healthcare system is in crisis,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut recognizing the problem is not enough 鈥� there must be accountability and there must be decisive action.鈥�
Dew stated that leadership is crucial, especially now, as Interior Health needs a fresh start to rebuild public trust and bring stability back to local healthcare services.
鈥淚t鈥檚 time to put patients at the centre, hear the voices of our hardworking healthcare professionals, and start restoring confidence in the system,鈥� he said.
In a statement, Minister Josie Osborne said she appreciates the concerns raised by physicians and frontline workers at KGH.
鈥淚t is important that every healthcare worker feels safe and supported when raising concerns. These concerns must be addressed thoroughly, fairly, and through the appropriate channels,鈥� she said.
Osborne noted that IH leadership is meeting with physicians to discuss and work through the issues.
鈥淚 have communicated my full expectations and expressed my support to Interior Health鈥檚 Board of Directors and senior leadership,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e also offered support from the Ministry of Health, including a neutral mediator or facilitator if needed.鈥�
The minister added that attacking individuals publicly does nothing to help move the issue forward.
鈥淎t all times 鈥� and especially times like this 鈥� it is vital that we all work together on solutions, both short-term and long-term,鈥� she said.
