We, the undersigned, call upon municipal, provincial, and federal governments, as well as local health authorities under their direction, to urgently develop and implement a comprehensive plan to ensure accessible emergent and urgent care services for the residents of Southern Huron County.  South Huron Hospital, which serves a vibrant catchment area of over 20,000 residents and experiences even further increases during the tourist season, is at a critical juncture.

Senior Leadership has announced the closure of the local walk-in clinic, citing physician shortages, burnout, and financial pressures. This decision will inevitably shift a significant portion of primary and urgent care needs to the Emergency Department—an already limited space that cannot safely or sustainably absorb the increased volume. This places both patients and healthcare providers at heightened risk of burnout, delays, and compromised care.

Access to local primary, urgent, and emergent care is a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of geography. The absence of a local CT scanner forces residents to travel 45 km to the nearest centre, resulting in longer wait times, increased financial burden, and, in some cases, the difficult choice to forgo necessary medical attention. With no affordable local transportation options, these barriers disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including seniors, low-income residents, and individuals living with chronic disabilities.

By signing this petition, we respectfully request that the Huron Health System be directed to develop and implement a plan that includes:

• Adequate Emergency Department and hospital resources to meet current and future demand
• Infrastructure improvements, including diagnostic equipment such as a CT scanner
• A robust Human Resources strategy to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health staff
• Sustainable models of primary and urgent care delivery that prevent further strain on emergency services

Our community's health cannot be put on hold any longer.  We need immediate action to secure a healthcare system that can adequately serve Southern Huron County. Please join us in our ask for a fair, comprehensive, and accessible health care plan by signing this petition. Together, we can bring about the change our community so urgently requires.