Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Friday, September 28, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Addictions specialist Dr. Ross Wheeler will be leaving Stanton Territorial Hospital next month after the hospital declined to renew his contract.

"I was surprised at first, because I hadn't really heard there were any problems with (the contract)," said Wheeler, who was with the hospital for almost 20 years.

Dr. Ross Wheeler: Doesn't know of any plans to replace him

As the main addictions consultant for the hospital, Wheeler said he doesn't know of any plans to replace him.

He had not been planning to leave his post at the hospital any time soon, but said he views this as an unexpected opportunity to pursue other options.

"I'm certainly going to miss working with the people that I've worked with... but I'll just have to figure out different ways to do it," he said.

Wheeler, who is certified in addictions counselling, said he's going to stay in the area and continue working with addictions services through a private practice.

He is also considering working with the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre for a community-based drug and alcohol counselling program, and has also spoken with the officials at North Slave Correctional Centre about working with prisoners. He is also looking at working in other northern communities.

As for the impact of his leaving, Wheeler says he will still be available to treat those with addictions problems.

"If I'm going to be doing it outside the hospital, the people and the town really don't lose out," he said.

As to why his contract was not renewed, Wheeler said, the hospital is "tied up with the method of funding doctors and the whole system of billing, and I was not producing high enough numbers I guess."

Representatives from Stanton Territorial Hospital did not return calls for comment.