Doctor behind Fraser Health whistleblower lawsuit announces settlement

Emergency room physician Caitlin Stockton says she has reached an agreement to settle a lawsuit with the Fraser Health Authority accusing her of wrongful termination after trying to warn patients about conditions at the two hospitals where she worked.

“My advocacy journey has really just begun,” Stockton said. “I want every doctor to feel safe and empowered to speak out about systemic issues impacting patient care without fear of censorship and retaliation.

“I hope there will be change.”

Stockton is not publicly sharing details of the settlement, which she announced on social media Tuesday.

She said she was “glad it’s over.”

In June she filed a notice of civil claim against Fraser Health in the BC Supreme Court, seeking $500,000 for wrongful dismissal and what she claimed was “tyrannical, egregious and contemptible” behaviour.

The lawsuit describes a toxic work environment where burned-out medical professionals face violent attacks from patients and fear retaliation if they speak out publicly.

According to Stockton’s lawsuit, his experience culminated on a shift on Nov. 18, 2024, when he and other medical staff warned patients that Eagle Ridge Hospital’s emergency room was reaching expiration point.

The lawsuit alleged that Stockton was fired through “constructive dismissal” – when the employer’s actions force an employee to resign.

Since then, Stockton has been employed by Vancouver Coastal Health. She says she has received many letters of support from other health-care workers, and in October she was welcomed to the BC Legislature where she met Health Minister Josie Osborne and other MLAs.

“They seem to be receptive to some of the evidence-based solutions that I and other physician leaders and policy experts have recommended,” Stockton said. “I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with them on this. I think ultimately that’s what we need.”

“We need better management.”

Fraser Health told CBC News the two parties have indeed resolved the matter, but did not provide further details.

Stockton’s social media post included a statement from Fraser Health saying the health authority is “committed to fostering a culture where employees and medical staff who identify safety concerns or advocate for system improvements are heard, supported and engaged in a collaborative manner.”