Four psychiatrists quit Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s acute care, raising concerns over workload, support, and stability in Interior Health’s mental-health system.
Changes in staffing at Vernon hospital
Four psychiatrists at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in Vernon, British Columbia, have submitted resignations from their acute-care and on-call duties, the regional health authority confirmed. The resignations apply to inpatient psychiatric services and emergency coverage as of late October.
Reasons behind the resignations
The resigning doctors cited “separate and unrelated personal reasons,” according to Interior Health. Three of the physicians have signalled they will continue to practise in community-based settings, which the authority expects will help maintain access for ongoing care.
Implications for local mental-health services
Although six other psychiatrists remain under contract and visiting psychiatrists provide additional support, the departures raise concerns about acute psychiatric service stability in the region. Interior Health said it is working with the psychiatrists to finalise transition plans and will advise the public if any changes arise.
Reactions from political figures and stakeholders
The BC Conservative Party flagged the resignations, citing “overwhelming workloads and a lack of support” and drawing parallels with previous departures of OB-GYNs from other regional hospitals. Local MLAs criticised the authority’s leadership, suggesting the resignations reflect deeper cultural and systemic issues.
Recruitment and recovery efforts underway
Interior Health is collaborating with the Provincial Services Authority and other partners to recruit new psychiatrists and to support existing staff in stabilising acute services in the region. Meanwhile, people in crisis are still advised to attend the hospital for assessment, and the authority said it will clearly communicate any service changes or alternate care options.
Why this matters and how it affects patients
Mental-health services — especially acute care and on-call psychiatric support — are critical in rural and regional settings. The removal of four acute-care psychiatrists in one setting may impact hospital capacity, continuity of care, and stress levels among remaining staff. How quickly recruitment and support measures succeed will determine how service access evolves for patients in the Interior Health region.
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