Doctors raise concerns over new Confluence Health cancer center

Oncologists and former healthcare leaders question the need and planning process for the $60 million project

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A planned $60 million cancer center at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee is facing increasing scrutiny from physicians and former healthcare leaders. Oncologists from the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (WVMG) have voiced concerns about a lack of physician input in the project's planning and potential duplication of existing services. Former Confluence Health CEO Peter Rutherford and former Central Washington Hospital CEO Jack Evans have also expressed worry over the relationship between Confluence Health and WVMG, whose affiliation is set to expire in 2027. The dispute highlights broader concerns about the future of healthcare in the region.

Why it matters

The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the region's healthcare landscape. A fractured relationship between Confluence Health and WVMG could lead to difficulty recruiting and retaining physicians, declining morale, and reduced access to specialized services. The expiration of the current affiliation agreement in 2027 adds further urgency to the need for resolution.

The details

Oncologists from the WVMG recently voiced their concerns in a letter to the Wenatchee World, echoing earlier calls for a pause on the project. They stated that substantial healthcare capital is being committed to a second cancer center without meaningful engagement from the oncology physicians who have served the community for decades. The physicians highlighted that while the region has a comprehensive, accredited cancer program, improvements are needed, but the new center's plans prioritize exam rooms and infusion chairs rather than addressing critical gaps in service. They also expressed concern that locating a new center two miles from the existing Mares Campus could disrupt collaboration between oncology and other departments.

  • The current affiliation agreement between Confluence Health and WVMG expires in 2027.

The players

Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (WVMG)

A group of oncologists who have served the Wenatchee community for decades and have voiced concerns about the lack of physician input in the planning of the new Confluence Health cancer center.

Peter Rutherford

Former CEO of Confluence Health, who has expressed worry over the relationship between Confluence Health and WVMG.

Jack Evans

Former CEO of Central Washington Hospital, who has also expressed concern over the relationship between Confluence Health and WVMG.

Andrew Jones

Current CEO of Confluence Health, whose leadership has been questioned by WVMG.

Confluence Health

The healthcare system planning to build a new $60 million cancer center in Wenatchee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Substantial healthcare capital is being committed to a second cancer center without meaningful engagement from the oncology physicians who have served the community for decades.”

— Drs. Nicholas Kummer, Mitchell Garrison, and Julie Smith, Oncologists, Wenatchee Valley Medical Group (Wenatchee World)

“The approval of the cancer center project 'without significant strategic input or appropriate vetting' further underscores the importance of collaboration and transparency.”

— Peter Rutherford and Jack Evans, Former CEOs, Confluence Health and Central Washington Hospital (Wenatchee World)

What’s next

The Confluence Health Board will need to address the concerns raised by physicians and former healthcare leaders before moving forward with the cancer center project. The future of the affiliation between Confluence Health and WVMG will also need to be resolved before the current agreement expires in 2027.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the importance of robust physician engagement and transparent communication when making major healthcare investments. Failure to address the concerns of the medical community could have serious consequences for the region's healthcare landscape, including difficulty recruiting and retaining physicians and reduced access to specialized services.