B.C. health minister calls pediatric ward closure at Kelowna hospital challenging – Okanagan [Video]

A ongoing pediatrician shortage in Kelowna, B.C., has prompted Interior Health (IH) to make a decision to temporarily shut down the entire pediatric ward at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).

“Very scary,” said Kaitlyn Polmear, a Kelowna mother of two.

The specialist shortage has left the hospital without coverage on numerous occasions in recent months but it is now resulting in the 10-bed unit closure for at least six weeks.

“We’re hoping six weeks will be it but there is a possibility it will extend beyond the six weeks,” said Dr. Hussam Azzam, IH’s executive medical director of community and maternity.

“That’s very concerning,” said Helen Chong, another mother of two small children.

According to IH, it has funding for 12 hospital pediatricians but is only operating with half of that as it struggles to recruit the specialists.

“We do appreciate that this is a concerning decision and that the public …