Susan Brown/IHA

By Vernon Matters Staff

Health transition

Interior Health CEO resigns as KGH pediatric unit remains closed

Jun 27, 2025 | 10:23 AM

The president and CEO of Interior Health is stepping aside as the health authority continues to grapple with a pediatric care crisis at Kelowna General Hospital.

Susan Brown will transition out of her leadership role to support the organization ahead of her pending retirement. In her place, chief financial officer Sylvia Weir has been named interim president and CEO.

“Susan’s unwavering commitment during some of the most challenging times in health care — including COVID-19 and a global staffing shortage — has been remarkable,” said board chair Dr. Robert Halpenny. “We thank her for continuing to support the transition as we identify her successor.”

The leadership change comes as Interior Health works to reopen KGH’s 10-bed pediatric inpatient unit, which remains closed due to staffing shortages. Four new pediatricians have accepted job offers, but the hospital still lacks the required number of physicians to safely resume full service.

Interior Health says it is working closely with Doctors of BC and medical staff at KGH to stabilize services. A third-party facilitator will also be brought in to recommend further actions to strengthen pediatric care.

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Children in need of emergency treatment are still being seen at KGH, but no pediatric in-patients are being admitted.

Interior Health says it remains committed to restoring full services as soon as possible and will continue to provide updates to the community.