Performance-based pay increases awarded to senior executives at Interior Health (IH) amidst a physician shortage crisis at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) are drawing backlash from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). Carson Binda, B.C. director of the CTF, emphasized that taxpayers should be alarmed by the culture within IH that allows such practices to occur. The shortage of physicians has led to significant service disruptions, including the closure of the pediatric ward for over six weeks and the halting of new patients at the maternity clinic. Local doctors attribute this crisis to longstanding mismanagement by IH, which has reportedly resulted in numerous physician resignations. Notably, seven pediatricians left KGH in 2023, coinciding with the issuing of pay increases to top IH executives.
Public documents reveal that many executives received performance-based raises of approximately 6.7%, with CEO Susan Brown’s compensation rising to $472,607. One executive even received a more substantial 12% increase due to a promotion. Amidst these pay raises, Binda criticized the notion that such increases are acceptable when the healthcare system managed by these executives appears to be deteriorating. He contended that had these administrators been in the private sector, they would likely face consequences rather than rewards for perceived failure.
In a response to the criticism, IH board chair Dr. Robert Halpenny asserted that executive pay aligns with guidelines from the Health Employers Association of BC. This framework is purportedly designed to provide a consistent approach across all health authorities, providing performance adjustments based on broader organizational targets rather than the specific challenges faced by individual departments. Halpenny noted that in 2023, IH added over 4,400 frontline staff across various roles and welcomed 146 new physicians, suggesting a commitment to improving health services.
Conservative MLA Gavin Dew also voiced his concerns regarding the timing and nature of these pay raises, emphasizing that while the healthcare system is faltering, leadership is seemingly rewarded. Dew, who met with Brown and other Conservative MLAs, questioned whether current leadership can effectively address the systemic issues facing IH, particularly with Brown’s impending retirement. He expressed skepticism over the potential for restoring operational balance and functionality without significant changes in leadership.
Dew urged quick action from B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne, emphasizing that inaction could exacerbate the healthcare crisis. He stressed the urgency of leadership transitions within IH and called on Osborne to take decisive measures instead of remaining passive amidst escalating issues. The lack of response from Osborne’s office to requests for commentary further underscores the challenges facing the management of health services in the region.
With the backdrop of serious staffing shortages and leadership concerns, the debate over performance-based pay raises continues to highlight broader systemic problems within the healthcare system. Many stakeholders are questioning whether the existing structures and leadership can navigate the complexities and urgent needs of healthcare delivery in the face of ongoing shortages and operational failures. As the situation evolves, there is growing pressure for transparency and accountability from both IH and provincial health authorities in addressing these critical issues.
