About
Dr. Kerry Patricia Spearing is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Kelowna, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Her role involves rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in patients of all ages. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and coordinating care effectively within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.
Dr. Spearing graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Alberta in 2017 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in emergency medicine. She holds the specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) and has acquired key certifications necessary to practice in British Columbia. Her training and certifications ensure she is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of complex emergency medical situations with expertise and professionalism.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate and patient-centered care under pressure. Dr. Spearing values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team to optimize patient outcomes. She is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of her patients in acute settings. She delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the Kelowna community with integrity and compassion.
Dr. Kerry Spearing is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Spearing manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Spearing manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Spearing manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.
This list is not exhaustive. The Emergency Department is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of urgent health issues. If you believe you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest ER or call emergency services.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Spearing are tailored to the immediate needs of patients in acute situations.
All emergency medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
The Emergency Department in Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood is situated within a modern hospital facility that provides comprehensive urgent care services. The department's proximity to City Park offers a scenic and accessible environment for patients. Accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), the ER is conveniently reachable for residents and visitors alike. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to ER patient drop-off and parking areas. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access. The ER functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, seamlessly integrated with other hospital services to provide holistic healthcare support.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Spearing as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Spearing?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Spearing in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.
- When should I see Dr. Spearing in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Spearing and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Spearing works?
- If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Spearing and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Spearing and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.
2268 Pandosy St
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2
Hospital Main Line: (250) 862-4000
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Spearing is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Emergency Room services are typically accessed by presenting directly to the Emergency Department or via ambulance (e.g., by calling 911) for urgent medical conditions. No direct referral is usually required to be seen in the ER by Dr. Spearing or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Spearing's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/355361/Spearing%2CKerry