Media Release: Mayor’s Statement on Recommended Changes to MAHC Hospital Redevelopment Proposal

(Huntsville, ON) As announced in today’s Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) press release, based on extensive community feedback, their Capital Redevelopment Steering Committee is making a key recommendation to the MAHC Board of Directors regarding the proposed “Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare” plan for hospital redevelopment that would add 10 new beds at the Bracebridge site. This motion will be voted on by the MAHC Board at their October 10 meeting.

Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock has issued the following statement regarding the proposed changes to the hospital redevelopment plan:

“I am very encouraged to see the revised proposal and its recognition of stakeholders’ concerns. I am confident that the revisions will go a long way towards helping finalize MAHC’s upcoming submission to the Province of Ontario, which will ensure that we have a multi-site regional hospital to meet the needs of our community today and tomorrow. 

Given the Province’s initial funding commitment, and pending MAHC Board approval, I am optimistic that the proposal will now move forward within the timeline.

It’s important to note that there will be no changes to the model for the Huntsville site with this proposed submission.”

Next Steps for Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare…

The Town of Huntsville will continue to actively participate in the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) hospital planning process and supports ongoing dialogue amongst all the stakeholders to ensure the formation of the final plans for the Ministry of Health submission this fall, currently planned for November, are reflective of the needs of the communities the two hospital sites will serve for many years to come.

Huntsville’s endorsement of MAHC’s proposed multi-site regional hospital redevelopment plan underscores its significance for the entire region of Muskoka and area, spanning from Severn Bridge in the south, Sundridge in the north, westward to West Parry Sound, and eastward to Haliburton. The plan, valued at close to a billion dollars and with preliminary funding secured from the Ontario Government, aims to not only address local healthcare challenges but also enhance services for residents across this expansive catchment area.

More about the proposed Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare system…

MAHC’s proposed Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare system will allow each site to specialize in different services, focusing staff on patient groups with like diagnoses and providing enhanced patient care services and programs, as well as assisting in recruitment for specialty staff and physicians. The two expanded new facilities will have an overall increase of 44 (previously 34) hospital beds and the overall square footage will almost double, increasing by over 250,000 sq. ft. Enhanced medical services across the region include expanding emergency departments to include a fast track for minor conditions, improved mental health rooms, and streamlined ambulance offload processes. Diagnostic services are set to broaden beyond hospital settings, with plans to include MRI capabilities. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to integrate indigenous healing practices into the healthcare framework and incorporate virtual care solutions.

Key benefits of MAHC’s proposed Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare system include:

1. Focus staff on patient groups with like diagnoses
2. Critical mass of concentrated services enhances quality of care
3. Assist in recruitment for specialty staff and physicians 
4. Enhanced patient care services and programs

MAHC’s Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare proposal would provide new and expanded medical services for the region, including:

• Expanded emergency departments - fast track for minor conditions, improved mental health rooms, easier ambulance offload
• Outpatient surgery opportunities
• Expanded list of available procedures
• Diagnostics - opportunities to expand beyond hospital locations
• MRI
• Opportunity to integrate indigenous healing practices
• Virtual care integrated
• Overall total of 167 beds - an increase of 44 beds overall

For Frequently Asked Questions regarding the proposed Hospital Redevelopment, please visit MAHC’s hospital redevelopment webpage at Madeinmuskokahealthcare.ca.

 

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For More Information Contact:

Denise Corry
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Huntsville
705-789-1751 ext. 2356
Denise.Corry@huntsville.ca