Nestled amidst the hills of the Haliburton Highlands in the hamlet of Wilberforce is Ontario's first Red Cross Outpost Hospital. Established in February of 1922, the Outpost was located in Wilberforce mainly as a result of efforts by Alfred Schofield, an inspector for the Children's Aid Society, who was alarmed by the lack of medical service in the area. The Canadian Red Cross, Ontario division, was contacted and agreed to provide a nurse and equipment, the local people organized the acquisition of the building and some furnishings, and the first Red Cross Outpost Hospital service was begun.

The Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost over the next four decades established itself not only as a haven providing medical services, but also became an integral part of the community. What began as a one-room treatment centre and the nurses' home, became a mini-hospital with three rooms to accommodate in-patients.

Nurses who served at the Wilberforce Outpost established themselves as valuable assets to the area, not only in their role at the Outpost but through participation in community activities. Indeed, the Outpost itself became more than a treatment centre, serving frequently as the site of card parties, various social activities, and the focal point of holiday gatherings.