Attracting and retaining experienced doctors has always been a challenge. Almost 100 years ago Monto’s first doctor was Dr. Joyce Wharton. Her appointment and dedication was a significant milestone in securing the future of Monto township and surrounding villages.
Joyce arrived in 1926 after travelling via train to Eidsvold station (80 km’s away) before making her way to Monto via Webb’s cream truck.
Her parents joined her in Monto and her father became the Honorary Secretary of the hospital and assisted to ensure the rail line eventually reached the township.
Joyce visited many of her patients via horse and sulky with the black alluvial soils of the district making it incredibly boggy and difficult after rain.
Joyce sold her practice 5 years later before eventually marrying and moving to Surrey, England.
