A Yukon Liberal Party government would bring doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and other health professionals under one roof in a collaborative health care facility at a cost to taxpayers of $4 million to $5 million in start-up expenses over two years.

Colleen Wirth, the party's Mount Lorne candidate for the Oct. 10 territorial election, made the announcement this morning at a press conference held at Liberal headquarters in the Qwanlin Mall.

'The final cost for the facility will depend largely on what the locally-developed model ends up looking like, but start-up costs could be in the $4-million to $5-million range,' said Wirth.

The initiative is part of the Liberals' platform, which is being released in portions.

The facility would be developed in conjunction with health care providers around the territory.

Wirth is a registered nurse who worked at Whitehorse General Hospital for six years. As she envisions it now, she said, the facility would likely staff two doctors and two nurses on shift along with other professionals who would come in on regular schedules such as certain days of the week.

Other jurisdictions, including B.C. and P.E.I., among others, have similar successful facilities, said Wirth.

'People end up being much more satisfied with the care they receive,' she said, noting patients end up getting more prompt care while health care providers benefit from having other professionals to draw from.

If a physician recommends that a patient see a dietitian, for example, the appointment can be made right there with discussion between the professionals to give patients the best care.

'They work as a team,' she said.

One of the biggest concerns for Yukoners is a lack of doctors. With many residents unable to get a doctor, it puts a strain on the emergency unit at Whitehorse General Hospital, where many go to deal with health problems.

This would help ease that strain, making it a better working environment for over-worked emergency staff, Wirth said.

While recruiting doctors to the territory is important, so too is retaining the staff that are already here by creating a more positive working environment.

The staff for the new facility could likely come from within the territory, she said.

The candidate noted the facility could act on a 'family model' taking both appointments and walk-in patients. Mental health services and first nation programs might also be delivered through the facility.

Yukon Medical Association president Rao Tadepalli, a doctor at Whitehorse Medical Services, said this morning the association favours the initiative.

'Obviously, it needs further discussion,' he said.

A priority for the association is ensuring good health care. At the proposed centre, Tadepalli said in addition to regular physician services, he would like to see initiatives to provide alcohol and drug services, prevention strategies and mental health services.

While the initiative could cost into the millions, Wirth said, the money would come from the health care budget without any other services being cut.

'We definitely will maintain the service we have,' she said.

In addition to the money to be spent on the facility, Wirth said, a Liberal government would dedicate one per cent of its health care budget, about $900,000, to promoting increased physical activity and healthy living for Yukoners.

Just what type of programs it would go to would depend on what organizations around the territory want to see, she said.

Groups could apply for funding for initiatives aimed at promoting healthy living, she said.

While some programs might focus on quitting smoking, another program funded through the one per cent portion of the budget might deal with healthy eating, Wirth said.