Opinion: Closure of pediatric unit at KGH puts lives of children at risk

I am writing on behalf of the dedicated nursing staff at Kelowna General Hospital, who are grappling with the serious impacts of the temporary closure of the hospital’s pediatric inpatient unit.

While Interior Health frames this as a six-week interruption, those of us on the front lines know the consequences are immediate and dangerous. This closure is not a minor operational shift. It puts the lives of children at risk and places enormous strain on emergency nurses who are already stretched beyond capacity.

Nurses are now responsible for managing acutely ill pediatric patients in an already strained emergency department setting that is not designed for ongoing pediatric inpatient care. This compromises safety, delays treatment, and can increase the risk of poor outcomes. Nurses entered this profession to deliver safe, high-quality care—not to be forced into situations that put their patients at risk.

What makes this situation even more troubling is the lack of communication nurses received about the closure. Many learned of the decision through media reports or last-minute internal updates, with no opportunity to prepare or offer input. This lack of transparency has left nurses feeling disrespected and disregarded by their employer, despite their critical role in delivering care during this crisis.

We commend the physicians who have come forward publicly to share their concerns. Their words reflect the same alarm nurses have been sounding for months: our health-care system is under unsustainable pressure. This is not the level of care the people of Kelowna—or anywhere in BC—deserve from a major referral hospital.

BCNU stands in full solidarity with our members at KGH. We urge Interior Health to work with nurses and recognize that their experience and expertise must be part of any solution aimed at protecting the safety and well-being of children and families in this community.

Sincerely,