In 2022, 1 million British Columbians were waiting to see a Specialist, and as of late 2024, that number grew to 1.2 million. Specialist wait times represent a vital sign of any healthcare system and we can’t fix the healthcare crisis until we fix access to Specialists.

“To those who are waiting, I’m deeply sorry. We’re working as hard as we can.” -Dr. Robert Carruthers, President, cSBC. British Columbians are waiting far too long to access the Specialist Care they need. Read the full interview here: https://t.co/KVnoLbSre8 #BCPoli

Families in Metro Vancouver are facing growing uncertainty as Ridge Meadows Hospital reports a critical shortage of OB-GYN Specialists. Maternity care is essential, addressing Specialist Physician shortages is key to ensuring patients can receive care close to home. 🔗Read

Across Northern B.C., emergency rooms are experiencing ongoing temporary closures due to limited staffing. Rural patients deserve stable, reliable access to emergency care close to home. 🔗Read More: https://t.co/DXoXaAhEAi #EveryNumberIsAStory #bcpoli

Our rural communities deserve reliable ER access. A brand-new facility in Fort St. James, B.C., has had to suspend services over 40 times since January due to staffing gaps. We must work together to ensure everyone in B.C. has urgent care when they need it. 🔗Read More:

Behind every number on the Specialist waitlist in B.C. is a real patient's story. Waiting for care has devastating effects: jobs are left unfinished, milestones are missed, patients are left with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty while suffering escalating symptoms. Learn more:

WATCH: A Vancouver Island cancer survivor says she’s lucky to be alive after delays in B.C.’s healthcare system nearly cost her life.

Everyone in B.C. deserves timely access to the Specialist Care they need. Patients are waiting months, even years, to see their Specialist Physician. These long delays affect a patient’s physical and psychological health. #EveryNumberIsAStory is calling for practical solutions

“Access to Specialist Care is going to continue to deteriorate,” warns cSBC President Dr. Robert Carruthers in a recent @VancouverSun interview. Read the full article here as we launch #EveryNumberIsAStory: https://t.co/ieXfhevdzA #BCPoli

B.C.’s consultant specialists push province to reduce bloated waitlists

Today, B.C.’s Specialists are launching #EveryNumberIsAStory, a new campaign to urgently sound the alarm on the growing Specialist wait times crisis. With 1.2 million+ British Columbians currently waiting to see a Specialist, these are not just numbers; these are patients whose

cSBC stands in full support of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of BC (SOGBC) and the 7 OBGYN Physicians in Kamloops. The loss of maternity services impacts patients, families, and communities across B.C. It’s time to work together toward meaningful, lasting

The news from Vernon Jubilee Hospital highlights the growing strain on Specialist Care across BC. We stand in support of the Psychiatrists and all Specialists working tirelessly under challenging conditions. Collaborative solutions are needed to protect patient access. 🔗Read

The Kamloops OB/GYN group’s collective resignation is a devastating signal of the Specialist Access Crisis. cSBC stands with them in calling for immediate provincial action to protect the health of women and newborns, Specialty Care and the Specialists who provide it. 🔗Read

The closing of Obstetrics & Gynaecology service in Kamloops will be felt by patients and the healthcare system throughout the province. Without a clear plan on meeting BC’s needs for Specialist Care, we can expect declining access to Specialist care. 🔗Read More:

Across BC-urban and remote patients face worsening delays to see Specialist Physicians, including OBGYNs. These gaps in maternity and women’s health care are growing. cSBC has solutions-action is needed now. 🔗Read More: https://t.co/4G2X0xkQq1 #SpecialistCare #HealthcareAccess

It’s about time… Timely Access to Specialist Care is essential. The Province does not have detailed wait time data for Specialists. We need to measure access in order to improve access. 🔗Read More: https://t.co/innskQ6dI1 #Chilliwak #SpecialistCare #HealthcareAccess #bcpoli

With continued underinvestment in BC's Specialist Care system, waitlists continue to grow and we don't have the Specialist workforce we need to serve BC patients. 🔗Read More: https://t.co/NdZCFf3efP #InteriorHealth #SpecialistCare #HealthcareAccess #bcpoli #Kamloops

Big thank you to @DoctorsOfBC for hosting such a fantastic Backpack Day event! 🎒🎉 It was a great turnout and a pleasure meeting so many future Specialist leaders.

Temporary Emergency Room closures in Oliver, Lillooet & Keremeos reflect ongoing strain in B.C.'s healthcare system. We all rely on access to Emergency Rooms. 🔗Read More: https://t.co/0MURX3SFQ1 #InteriorHealth #SpecialistCare #HealthcareAccess #bcpoli

This story playing out in Newfoundland echoes the situation in hospitals in B.C. where Specialist Physician staffing is wearing thin (see article from KGH Peds Unit: https://t.co/jwIekk0dqw). When services close, the already overburdened system cannot absorb the impact. 🔗Read