Kelowna, BC – Interior Health has confirmed that Kelowna General Hospital is experiencing intermittent gaps in general neurology coverage as of January 1, 2026, due to staffing shortages. The following statements are in response to this news:

“This is what happens when a government fails to plan, recruit, and retain specialists in an already strained health system. With a neurologist shortage, 36-hour ER waiting times, and the largest concentration of BC’s rural seniors, the NDP government is playing with people’s lives. Just like the Pediatrics situation, this didn’t happen overnight, it was flagged by doctors more than a year ago as a crisis-in-the-making.” – Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission

“The loss of acute neurological coverage in the Interior is not an isolated problem. British Columbians are watching services disappear, wait times explode, and access to timely care slip further out of reach, with no clear plan from the government to reverse the damage. – Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre

“As a physician, I understand the anxiety that families face when a loved one is in a serious health situation. BC is experiencing a province-wide pattern of instability, leaving families wondering whether critical care will be available when and where they need it. This is the new reality of health care under this government.” – Anna Kindy, Critic for Health

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Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Press Secretary
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948