Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Centre (MAHC) is seeking public input on its regional hospital capital redevelopment project, which includes building a new Huntsville District Memorial Hospital site and a South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site.
The Muskoka region is transitioning from a local-based healthcare model to a regional health system. According to the MAHC website, the new model is expected to expand healthcare capabilities, cut down on inefficiencies, and make it easier to share learnings between the facilities.
A grassroots group, Save South Muskoka Health, is not convinced, and contests the new South Muskoka Memorial Hospital will reduce the number of inpatient beds by 46 per cent. They created a petition to maintain the local share of inpatient beds in South Muskoka.
In April, Ric Bresee, MP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington, presented a petition with over 4,000 signatures opposing the new South Muskoka location, at the Ontario Legislature during the April 11 question period, arguing that the new location will not adequately serve the local population.
The Save South Muskoka Health group and other critics continue to discuss the redevelopment daily on their Facebook group.
Upcoming public engagement sessions
Participants can provide feedback on the hospital redevelopment plan in person or online.
“These engagement sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for [the community] to come together, share ideas, and develop a regional, multi-site hospital that will benefit our entire community,” said Cheryl Harrison, CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, in a media release.
During the in-person sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the redevelopment model, provide feedback, and brainstorm ideas with other attendees and stakeholders.
Sign up here to join a community idea exchange. Registration ends on June 7, but the following sessions are still available:
- Session 10: June 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. in Bracebridge
- Session 11: June 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bracebridge
- Session 12: June 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Bracebridge
Can’t make it in person? Fill out the online survey.
Two Muskoka Algonquin hospitals hit 150 per cent capacity for the first time
About the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare redevelopment plan
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is currently undergoing a capital expansion to build two new facilities.
MAHC has decided to prioritize the construction of two new buildings instead of renovating the existing ones. The MAHC board says, “The single-site model was not supported by community preferences, and explicit directives from the Ministry also advised against this model.” The Board also cites that the existing buildings do not comply with building code regulations or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Plan for Bracebridge
The new Bracebridge hospital will feature a rehabilitation centre, specialized cancer care, and include equipment for people with complex medical conditions. The MAHC Board stated the decision was made to cater to local demand and prevent residents from having to commute long distances for medical care.
The new Bracebridge hospital will more than double procedure and emergency rooms but will cut inpatient rooms by almost 50 per cent.
Plan for Huntsville
The new Huntsville hospital will not be adding more operating rooms, but will increase inpatient beds by more than 50 per cent, and increase the emergency rooms by 40 per cent.
Service and room plans were designed to reduce duplication, maintain current operations, and expand capacity to meet local demand, according to MAHC website.
Visit the MAHC website to find out more about the redevelopment plan and vision.
Related Story Two Muskoka Algonquin hospitals hit 150 per cent capacity for the first time
Related Story Two Muskoka Algonquin hospitals hit 150 per cent capacity for the first time