Peace River... The Alberta government is contributing $2.5 million toward a new medical and residential centre to be located adjacent to the Peace River Hospital. The proposed Centre of Medical Excellence will have a medical clinic, a pharmacy and leased office space by Peace Country Health to be used by mental health practitioners. “This project is a creative solution to many issues facing rural areas like Peace River,” says Dave Hancock, Minister of Health and Wellness. “The medical centre will help the community recruit and retain medical and health professionals.” Peace River physician Dr. David Willox has a vision for developing the proposed Peace River and District Centre of Medical Excellence, estimated at $9 million. “This centre will stabilize health care delivery in the Peace region for many years come,” says Dr. Willox. “The centre of medical excellence will increase both the capacity and the efficiency of medical care in the region.” He hopes the new facility will help attract more physicians to the region and increase the number of specialists and programs available. The Centre of Medical Excellence will be a 42,000-square-foot facility to house a new state-of-the-art medical clinic, accommodating up to 18 physicians. As well, the centre would provide much-needed space for other community partners and services such as community health care, Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, hotel-style rooms for hospital patients and their families, and apartments for veterinary and medical students during their training. “This is an innovative proposal between doctors and the local community,” says Frank Oberle, MLA for Peace River. “Government will provide services and programs on one floor of this facility, which will enhance the delivery of health care in the Peace region.” “The benefits to residents will be tremendous,” says Oberle. “The medical centre is the result of the collaborative efforts between local residents, the medical community and government to improve access to health services for Peace River area residents,” said Marvin Moore, chair, Peace Country Health.