Dr. Kaitlin Stockton, an emergency room physician working at two Fraser Health hospitals, has filed a lawsuit against her employer, alleging unsafe working conditions for both staff and patients. In her statement of claim, Stockton accuses the health authority of failing to maintain a safe environment, raising concerns over the declining standard of care.
“I’m deeply concerned that patient care is slipping,” Stockton said in an interview with CTV News. “The public deserves transparency about what’s happening in their publicly funded hospitals. Healthcare workers also have the right to a safe and respectful workplace.”
The lawsuit outlines multiple security incidents in the emergency rooms at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody. Notably, the claims include a January incident at Eagle Ridge Hospital where a man threatened staff with a machete, as well as an instance in which a doctor was bitten by a pit bull brought into the ER by a patient.
“Ensuring a safe work environment free from weapons and aggressive animals is not a difficult task,” Stockton said.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that hospital administration threatened to revoke Stockton’s hospital privileges and file a complaint with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia after she posted a sign at Eagle Ridge Hospital ER encouraging patients to contact their MLA about hospital conditions.
B.C. Conservative Party health critic Elenore Sturko expressed support for Stockton, stating, “It’s clear we’re facing a serious issue. To see an ER doctor risking her career to improve our healthcare system is commendable, not something to punish.”
Fraser Health declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, while Health Minister Josie Osborne emphasized the importance of healthcare workers being able to raise concerns. “It’s essential that healthcare workers feel they can speak up,” Osborne said, “as we work together to strengthen public healthcare in B.C.”
Stockton continues to work at Fraser Health but remains uncertain about any professional consequences she may face for filing the lawsuit and speaking out. “I’ve tried to resolve this internally but have been ignored and dismissed,” she said. “This is about holding Fraser Health accountable for the workplace harassment I’ve experienced and the unsafe conditions faced by healthcare providers.”
The allegations in Stockton’s lawsuit have yet to be tested in court.
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