Interior Health CEO responds to criticism over KGH pediatric closure

Jun 16, 2025 | 4:08 PM

Interior Health (IH) CEO Susan Brown has issued a statement following the recent, sudden closure of the pediatric unit at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).

Staffing there have cited deteriorating conditions in that department.

A local MLA has called for her resignation, questioning Brown’s leadership. She is due to retire by the end of 2025.

Brown said in her statement Monday, June 16, in part, that she has the full support of the IH Chair, Board, and the Minister of Health. She said she had also received personal support from the public, patients and staff.

She said IH faces growing demand for health-care services but is focused on reopening the inpatient pediatric unit at KGH at the end of the six week temporary closure that started May 26.

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“I acknowledge that IH is facing significant pressures,” she said.

“There is a growing demand for health-care services, here at IH and across the province. We continue to experience a competitive global market for a limited number of available health-care professionals – including physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. This has contributed to challenges, including temporary service interruptions in emergency departments and specialized services such as pediatrics and obstetrics.”

In a lengthy statement, Brown also raised concerns about the culture of some departments at KGH.

“I have heard some concerns about culture in the Emergency and Pediatrics Departments and I share those concerns. I’ve also seen behaviour that is unproductive and not in alignment with the values of IH – quality, integrity, compassion and safety,” she said.

“Let me be clear: I remain committed to listening to frontline staff and leaders and understanding how our leadership team can better support them in delivering high-quality, team-based care.”

Last week Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew called for immediate change at the top of Interior Health.

He said the sudden closure of the pediatric unit sparked an outpouring of concern from doctors and healthcare workers. Dew said he believed the current leadership had lost the trust of both staff and the public and called for Brown to resign or be dismissed by the Health Minister so trust can be rebuilt.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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