Southern Health-Sante Sud is honouring two health care workers from Steinbach.

The regional health authority held its annual general meeting last week and took the time to pay special attention to both Dr. Paul Peters and Bev Dueck.

Dr. Denis Fortier says Dr. Paul Peters has been handed the Physician Emeritus Award. He explains this is the third year that the RHA is offering this award to a physician in the region. Dr. Fortier says a number of years ago, Southern Health-Sante Sud realized that physicians have a unique place in the health system, despite not being employees. Being an important partner in the health system, Dr. Fortier says they wanted to honour their contributions. This award recognizes the lifetime contributions and accomplishments over their professional careers in the region.

According to Dr. Fortier, this year's recipient is a retired family physician who practiced for 38 years in the Steinbach area.

"Dr. Peters is a well respected and significant member of his community and the surrounding area," he says. "His biography is very long and very impressive."

Dr. Peters was Chief of Staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, a lifetime honorary member of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and a founding partner of the Steinbach Family Medical Centre. He was a medical volunteer on missions across the globe, including China, Bolivia and Thailand. He is also a recipient of the Blazer Award by Canadian Mennonite University.

Also being recognized is Bev Dueck, a Registered Nurse with the Cancer Care program. She has been handed a quality service award.

Jane Curtis is Chief Executive Officer for Southern Health-Sante Sud. She says Dueck demonstrates integrity, compassion, excellence and respect.

"She works hard every day and is often seen double-checking with people under our care and ensuring they are comfortable and cared for without question," says Curtis.

Curtis adds most of the clients know her by name.

"She is easy to speak to and provides an exceptional level of understanding, patience and support to all the clients who come through the door," adds Curtis. "Patients are treated with the utmost respect, elevated level of kindness, compassion and understanding."