File photo (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

RIH STAFFING ISSUES

RIH hoping to increase staffing levels ahead of long weekend

May 20, 2022 | 4:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — As staffing challenges at Royal Inland Hospital continues to affect patient care for residents in Kamloops, the hospital is preparing for May long weekend by reaching out to other jurisdiction across Interior Health.

In a rare and unprecedented move, Royal Inland has been forced to reach out across Interior Health to ensure staffing at the hospital remain at a serviceable level.

Yesterday, a blanket email went out to staff across the health authority, asking staff to take weekend shifts in Kamloops.

“We have put a call out to staff across Interior Health to come assist on site. We’ve also put some additional patient transfer staff on support, just in case we have to transfer folks, because we do work as one network with all our healthcare facilities,” said Tracey Rannie, RIH Executive Director.

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Rannie confirmed that, as of Friday morning (May 20), the hospital had received a good response to their request.

Residents outside of Kamloops worried about their communities hospitals in places like Clearwater or Merritt that see occasional weekend shutdowns will be relieved that staffing levels across the region are being taken into account.

“The staff that are coming throughout Interior Health, that is a consideration that is taken, that is reviewed by the site. We make sure we are supporting across the region,” she said.

The emergency department will remain open 24/7 this weekend, but individuals with non-urgent issues could consider other healthcare options for their care as Rannie could not assure CFJC Today that patients will not be transferred if needed to other facilities.

“When a particular unit or hospital is facing staffing challenges our priority is ensuring that all patients get the care that they need in the right location. Our hospital works in a network and there are various situations where people are moved to alternate facilities,” said Rannie.

Rannie closed by thanking the staff at Royal Inland for their dedication to the community.