However we had some very farsighted and energetic people in our midst and they never faltered or wavered in their demands for the necessities of a growing community. They made the need for a hospital first on their every agenda. Among them were Frank Oberle, Roy St. Dennis, Ralph Todd, Mrs. McWilliams, Mary Robertson, Bev Sterling, Nelson Wheeler, Allan Ramsley, M. La Marre, Ernest Phanner, Lorne McQueen and many others who worked behind the scenes. Mr. Doug Dimond was hired as administrator, the Hospital Auxiliary was formed and a man and wife team of doctors, John and Ruth Lennox, appeared on the scene in the fall of 1969.
They were a most welcome addition to the growing town of Chetwynd and by this time hospital plans were pretty well finalized. However, it was not until September 1971 when Mr. Bennett cut the ribbon to officially open a spanking new modern thirty-three-bed hospital under the capable supervision of Sister Josephine Mainka, R.N., and staff.
Patients were admitted on Oct. 4, 1971 and the first baby was born to Mr. & Mrs. Ken Ross on October 5, 1971. Mrs. Ross is the former Elsie Schilling and both parents have lived most of their lives in Chetwynd and obtained their schooling there.
Since 1971 beds have been filled to capacity most of the time and another doctor — Dr. Graven — has come to swell the staff to three.