File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Maternity Care Update

Pair of new obstetricians to start in Kamloops next May, 8 more in recruitment pipeline: IH

Dec 17, 2025 | 2:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) says it has recruited a pair of new obstetricians for Kamloops, helping ease a crisis in the community’s maternity care network.

The health authority has been scrambling to step up recruitment and retention efforts since a team of seven OB-GYNs withdrew in-hospital services from Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in October. The team cited a heavy workload and little relief as the reasons behind its withdrawal.

In November, IH noted it had five obstetricians interested in relocating to Kamloops. A later update pointed to eight interested candidates.

CEO Sylvia Weir told CFJC Today IH would ideally like to see 10 obstetricians at the hospital.

In an update distributed to media Wednesday (Dec. 17), IH says it has recruited two new obstetricians to start in May 2026. Additionally, the health authority says a further eight candidates are in different portions of the recruitment process.

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The update notes the hospital now has full coverage of on-call obstetrical services.

“Dedicated efforts continue to recruit on-call coverage for low-risk deliveries with family practice physicians trained in obstetrics and midwives,” notes the news release. “We have full coverage for December and continue to work to obtain full coverage for January.”

The health authority notes it is in the early stages of developing a new service model for Kamloops.

“We are working on a new vision for an integrated, team-based approach to maternity care, which supports pregnant mothers and families throughout their pregnancies,” said the release. “This model brings together physicians, midwives, nurses, allied health professionals and community partners to provide seamless, patient-centered care.”

Those in need of immediate care are still advised to attend their nearest hospital, including RIH.

Patients looking for care options in the community are encouraged to touch base with the Early Pregnancy Access to Care and Triage Clinic (EPACT), as well as family practice physicians or community health centres.