Nurses in Kamloops meet with Interior Health brass to discuss concerns – and solutions

The BCNU says ongoing staff shortages, issues with a new electronic charting systems, the amount of overtime shifts and redeployments at the hospital have led to widespread burnout.

“The emergency department, the ICU, the fact that the coronary care unit has been closed for almost a year, the fact that the pediatric unit was temporarily closed,” says Gear. “We know that there is a crisis in many parts of the province but it really is exceptionally concerning what’s going on at Royal Inland Hospital.”

The CEO of the health authority, Susan Brown, says the meetings in Kamloops brought forward a host of concerns.

“There were some things that I heard for the first time and the other topics I think were not a surprise,” she explains. “They were very well prepared and very articulate about some of their concerns, but they also came with some solutions, which was amazing.”

IH says Thursday’s meetings also reiterated the importance of daily changes that could improve retention — such as adequate parking or a shuttle for late-night shift workers who have parked off-site, and more childcare spaces for staff.

“They’re worried. They’re worried for the summer, they’re worried about having enough staffing over the summer. I understand their concerns and we need to commit to actioning some of what they brought forward,” adds Brown.

Staff have also pointed to what they claim as a funding disparity between Kelowna’s hospital compared to Kamloops — with regard to nursing and allied health ratios. Brown was asked about this and says Interior Health is looking into it.

“I have heard from staff about two areas in particular, and we’ll look at them starting first. And if there is an inequity, we’ll look at of course, correcting.”

The Mayor of Kamloops, city councillors and local MLAs have repeatedly spoken about hospital concerns publicly and Brown says they do plan to meet with officials.

“We will definitely meet with external stakeholders, for sure,” says Brown. “Right now I’d just like to theme what we’ve heard and continue the dialogue we’ve had with the physicians and staff about the continued short term strategies while we work on the longer term strategies.”

Brown was also asked about ongoing concerns expressed by staff about the workplace culture at the local hospital, and what is being done by Interior Health to foster a healthy relationship between staff and administration.

“We do have a vice president who is very knowledgable about operations, her name is Diane (Shendruk). Diane has recently moved to Kamloops and has actually located her office now at Royal Inland Hospital,” explains Brown. “I’m hoping that that gives the staff a direct conduit to our senior executive team, and Diane knows she can bring ideas forward. At this point, there’s no bad idea, we just have to explore it and see where we can take it.”

Healthcare workers in Kamloops had a chance to bring problems and solutions to the attention of top brass at Interior Health, and now the BC Nurses Union says it’s time to act.

“They (nurses) have been carrying this healthcare crisis for far too long. They show up every day and try to do the very best they can in some very challenging conditions, and we’re at a point where they just can’t do it anymore,” reiterates Gear.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Nurses in Kamloops meet with Interior Health brass to discuss concerns – and solutions

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