B.C. addictions doctor resigns after trying to set up overdose prevention site in Nanaimo

A Vancouver Island doctor involved in setting up unsanctioned overdose prevention sites has resigned from her positions with Island Health, claiming she was placed on leave as punishment for her public advocacy work.

That claim is denied by Island Health.

Dr. Jess Wilder, a co-founder of the group Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, says in a resignation letter dated Feb. 5 that she's leaving her positions with Island Health "immediately." 

Wilder says she was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 22 from her physician lead positions in harm reduction and education, and addiction medicine at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. 

She says in a separate letter addressed to colleagues at Island Health that she was placed on leave "pending investigation of alleged accusations" related to her "public advocacy work," though it says she will continue her clinical and patient-facing work.

She is a member of Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, a group that set up unauthorized overdose prevention sites at the Nanaimo hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria in November 2024 in an effort to pressure the provincial government to act on what the group says is an "unfulfilled promise to address drug use in hospitals." 

In a written statement, Island Health said that while it does not generally comment on personnel matters, it could confirm it had received the resignation letters which were shared publicly.

It also said that while Wilder was placed on leave, it was not meant as a punitive measure.

"Administrative leaves are used to ensure that individuals who are party to an investigation continue to be compensated while a fair investigation is underway," the statement reads.

"Island Health policy supports the ability of medical staff and staff to advocate publicly while ensuring that personal positions are not confused with the position of Island Health and that private information remains confidential."