Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.
Emergency room physician Kaitlin Stockton says she has reached a settlement with the Fraser Health Authority to resolve a lawsuit that alleged wrongful dismissal after she tried to warn patients about conditions in two hospitals where she worked.
“My advocacy journey has really just begun,” Stockton said. “I want every doctor to feel secure and empowered to speak up about systemic issues that are affecting patient care without fear of censorship and retaliation.
“I’m hopeful that change will come.”
Stockton is not sharing publicly the details of the settlement, which she announced on social media on Tuesday.
She said she was “happy that it’s over.”
In June she filed a notice of civil claim against Fraser Health in B.C. Supreme Court, seeking $500,000 for wrongful dismissal and damages for what she claimed was “high-handed, arrogant and contemptuous” behaviour.
The lawsuit described toxic work environments where burnt-out medical professionals endure violent assaults from patients and fear reprisal for speaking publicly.
According to Stockton’s lawsuit, her experience culminated in one shift, on Nov. 18, 2024, when she and other medical staff chose to warn patients that the emergency room at Eagle Ridge Hospital was reaching a breaking point.
The lawsuit alleged Stockton was fired through “constructive dismissal” — when the actions of an employer force an employee to resign.
Since then, Stockton has been employed by Vancouver Coastal Health. She says she has received numerous letters of support from other health-care workers, and was welcomed into the B.C. Legislature in October where she met with Health Minister Josie Osborne and other legislators.
“They seem receptive to some evidence-based solutions that myself and other physician leaders and policy experts have recommended,” said Stockton. “I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with them on that. I think ultimately that’s what we need.
“We need better management.”
Stockton (centre) is pictured in Victoria, B.C., with Health Minister Josie Osborne and a number of other health-care leaders. Stockton says she has received numerous letters of support from health-care workers. (Kaitlin Stockton/Submitted)
Fraser Health told CBC News that the two parties have indeed settled the matter, but did not offer more details.
Stockton’s social media posts include a statement from Fraser Health which says the health authority “remains committed to fostering a culture where staff and medical staff who identify safety concerns or advocate for system improvements are heard, supported and engaged in a collaborative manner.”