FRASER Health announced on Wednesday that it has successfully recruited a new pediatrician for Peace Arch Hospital and expects them to start this fall. The addition of a new pediatrician will further support the stabilization of pediatric and maternity services at the hospital.

“When your child is sick, you want to know there is help closer to home. A new pediatrician means young families in White Rock and South Surrey will soon benefit from improved maternity services,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“I would like to thank the pediatric group for their support and continued dedication to caring for newborn babies in their communities. Recruitment of health care providers is one of many steps our government is taking to expand access to healthcare in the Fraser Health region and across the province.”

Fraser Health said it will continue its recruitment efforts to support a full complement of pediatricians at Peace Arch Hospital. Recruitment has included regional, national and international efforts to ensure the highest qualified candidates are identified.

“I am grateful for our staff and medical staff as well as our community partners’ commitment to working together to ensure we continue to deliver high quality acute maternity and pediatric services at Peace Arch Hospital,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health President and CEO.

Fraser Health said it continues to collaborate with the local Division of Family Practice, community members, Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, pediatrician and obstetrician groups and hospital site leadership to ensure services are in place for the communities of White Rock and South Surrey.

It added that as committed, an on-site Rapid Access Pediatric Clinic at Peace Arch Hospital will be opening in the fall. The new Rapid Access Pediatric Clinic will provide pediatrician consultation to children and youth to support urgent or emergent care needs in their own community.

For information on pregnancy and our maternity hospitals, visit www.fraserhealth.ca/pregnancy.