The future of medical care for almost 1500 patients in the village of Wheatley is uncertain. The local doctor, David. F. Eaton, who for nearly fifty years has delivered babies, diagnosed and treated community members, refered patients to specialists, provided bed-side care, and supported the residents of a local retirement home, is set to retire; yet paperwork sent to the Ontario Ministry of Health three years a go to ensure a nurse practitioner or doctor replace him, has yet to be processed. The office and patients are ready and waiting to transition to a new healthcare professional.

This long-standing, busy practice, assists mainly elderly patients who need services close to home as barriers such as transportation and mobility issues prevent them from getting to city centres. Without a local option, many will end up in the emergency room for needs that could be easily met locally, such as prescription refills and regular check ups.

Wheatley residents are still reeling from an explosion that rocked the village, leveling several buildings, leaving countless homeless, and closing the downtown core. The doctor's office just recently reopened.

There is an urgent need to keep medical care local. 

Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra, Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, and Chatham-Kent Council, immediate action is needed to ensure that the residents of Wheatley are not abandoned again.