A doctor from Ile Des Chenes says he hopes the new clinic that is being built in the community will help attract more physicians.

Dr. Philip HughesDr. Philip Hughes says three years ago Arthur Adams from Steinbach convinced him to be the first doctor to open a small practice in Ile Des Chenes. He notes he started seeing patients two days a week in a small retrofit clinic in the local pharmacy but with the growth of the community, he quickly outgrew the space. He notes the new clinic will better serve his needs.

“It provides me with space that is designed by me. We have put the rooms in there for functioning for three doctors and there is space for a lab if it becomes available but unfortunately, you have to build the trade first before the lab comes along. It is also independent, I can come and go as I see fit whereas at the moment I am in the pharmacy and I have to run by the pharmacy hours.”

Dr. Hughes says he has called Ile Des Chenes home for many years and is excited to provide the community with improved services. He notes they are also hoping that this new facility will attract more doctors in the future.

CEO Arthur Adams"The plan is to build a professional centre, there will be a lawyer there, pharmacy, physio, and myself. The plan is to actually establish my own income, my own practice and when it gets viable, I will bring another person in, when it gets more viable, I will bring in another person in after that."

Arthur Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of the new facility. He says it has been a long road to building this new office, but they are excited for the project to be completed.

"It was three years ago that I said to him, ‘you know Philip, we need to do something here, there is no doctor. You will be the first one.’ We are right on Main Street, this is a good location, it is everything. It has been three years but now on April 1st it will be all done, I will give him the key."