Neurology Services Reduced at Kelowna Hospital Amid Shortage

Neurology services at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) have been significantly reduced due to a shortage of specialist neurologists, adding to growing concerns about access to health care in the region. Interior Health confirmed that disruptions to general neurology services began on Jan. 1, following earlier cutbacks to pediatric and maternity care at the hospital.

According to an internal memo from Interior Health, general neurology services will not be consistently available on site during certain periods. This means patients who require neurological care for conditions other than stroke may not have immediate access to a neurologist at KGH.

Dr. Rob Carruthers, a neurologist and president of Consultant Specialists of B.C., warned that the situation represents a serious gap in patient care. He said many neurological conditions require expert assessment and that delays or lack of access could result in missed or delayed diagnoses of serious illnesses such as meningitis or multiple sclerosis.

Interior Health officials say the decision was made to ensure critical stroke services can continue safely. Dr. Pete Bosma, executive director of clinical operations north for Interior Health, said the limited number of neurologists made it increasingly difficult to manage both stroke emergencies and general neurology cases at the same time.

Bosma emphasized that the neurologist shortage is not unique to Kelowna, describing it as a widespread issue across North America and globally. He said prioritizing stroke patients was necessary to ensure care for the most life-threatening cases, even though it leaves gaps in other neurological services.

Patients requiring non-stroke neurology care may now need to rely on subspecialists or alternative pathways for treatment. While Bosma acknowledged concerns from physicians and patients, he said Interior Health is doing the best it can with limited resources and continues to manage urgent and emergent cases as effectively as possible.