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Castlegar cancer survivor alleges unsafe Kelowna hospital stay after surgery
Leslie Crusch says she was left without proper coverage after surgery and signed herself out when staff did not address her safety concerns.
A Castlegar breast cancer survivor alleges she was left exposed and unsafe during her stay at Kelowna General Hospital, citing privacy breaches and threatening conditions involving a roommate.
Crusch underwent a 10-hour double mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction in August 2026, spending three days in the ICU before moving to the surgical recovery ward.
On the fifth morning, Crusch alleges a cleaning staff member stared at her exposed genitals while she was covered only by a small blanket; her roommate allegedly used and sold drugs.
Kelowna General Hospital executive director Megan Legason said the facility is reviewing the concerns and noted Interior Health has "clear policies and processes" against illicit drug use, though Crusch claims she saw none enacted.
Despite her traumatic experience, Crusch continues advocating for early detection, maintaining her three-year message that "Get a mammogram, early detection is key" for other cancer patients.