Maternity Matters Kamloops is staging a third rally outside Royal Inland Hospital, calling for better maternity care in the wake of seven obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) specialist resignations at the Kamloops hospital late last year.
The grassroots organization will hold the rally on Saturday, Jan. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. in front of the hospital, with the aim of putting continued pressure on Interior Health and the Ministry of Health to take “immediate, accountable action to address ongoing and dangerous gaps in maternity care in Kamloops.”
Maternity Matters has repeatedly decried what it calls a maternity care crisis in Kamloops, ever since the OB/GYN specialists resigned en masse in October 2025, offering a letter condemning poor working conditions and unmanageable workloads on their way out.
Maternity Matters said in a press release that despite repeated public demonstrations, widespread community concern, and ongoing advocacy, families in Kamloops continue to face uncertainty when it comes to accessing safe, timely maternity care.
Interior Health has acknowledged the crisis and taken steps to mitigate risk, but the group said serious gaps remain, including unresolved concerns around on-call coverage and long-term sustainability of services.
“Families should not be entering pregnancy or labour wondering whether essential care will be available,” said a spokesperson for Maternity Matters Kamloops. “We recognize that Interior Health has made some efforts, but without transparent, long-term solutions and provincial accountability, these dangerous gaps persist. A new year does not erase the risks families are still facing.”
The group said other communities in B.C. are experiencing similar issues with maternity care, which paints the picture of a systemic failure to prioritize and support reproductive and maternal health services.
The Maternity Matters rally is open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and stand in solidarity with local families, birth workers, and health care providers.
Interior Health working to address issues
In a Dec. 17 press release, Interior Health said it is continuing work to “stabilize existing services and design a future model of maternity care” for Kamloops and the surrounding region.
The health authority said it has secured full coverage of obstetrician on-call services at Royal Inland Hospital.
“Dedicated efforts continue to recruit on-call coverage for low-risk deliveries with family practice physicians trained in obstetrics and midwives. We have full coverage for December and continue to work to obtain full coverage for January,” Interior Health said.
Two new obstetricians have been recruited and are expected to start in May 2026, while recruitment of more specialists remains active, with eight candidates in different parts of the recruitment process, Interior Health said.
Interior Heath has also supported the expansion of EPACT, utilizing the North Shore Primary Care Clinic. Two additional days per week (16 appointments) have been added, and plans are in place to add a third day this month.
“This clinic offers easy access for expectant individuals in the first and second trimester to receive initial pregnancy care including prenatal bloodwork and ultrasounds. No referral is required to access care at this clinic,” Interior Health said.
Community family physicians and midwives have increased primary care maternity services for patients from 30 weeks to term, in collaboration with EPACT and the Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society.
The health authority said it is also working on a new vision for an integrated, team-based approach to maternity care, which supports pregnant mothers and families throughout their pregnancies.
“This model brings together physicians, midwives, nurses, allied health professionals and community partners to provide seamless, patient-centered care.”
The vision, as Interior Health calls it, is in the early stages and more engagement is required before it can be implemented.
It should be noted that the second baby of 2026 in the interior Health region was born at Royal Inland Hospital, at 4:54 a.m. Jan. 1. Mother Crystelle Jose Areuano told Black Press Media she received great care at the hospital and “everything went so smoothly.”