Editor’s note: Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee Chair Bruce Kruger issued this open letter of resignation addressed to its members on the heels of a position letter issued by the committee.
It’s unfortunate, the Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee has not achieved its goal of securing significantly more beds for Bracebridge to match those allocated to the Huntsville location by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. Our committee have, however, through our strong advocacy efforts gained significantly with your assistance, from the original pittance of fourteen beds assigned to Bracebridge, now up to the current forty-six beds.
I have consistently opposed MAHC’s secretive, greatly flawed and undemocratic process, along with their anticipated misguided report to the Minister of Health. Our mandate of SSMH Committee, however, was to support the needs of the local physicians who have reached an agreement with MAHC regarding bed counts. After extensive discussions, the SSMH Committee has since decided to move in a direction which differs greatly from my own opinion, and that of our initial committee mandate. I respect their decision to do so.
I have always guided my actions with integrity and conviction, so in light of this new course chosen by SSMHC, I am resigning as Chair effective immediately, wishing Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee all the best in their future endeavours, and hopefully with great success. Please note that I will not be a part of any future communications from SSMHC, and therefore any views express by SSMH Committee, may not necessarily reflect my personal opinions.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you, for your outstanding dedication and efforts on behalf of our committee. I know the selfless hours each of you have spent to move our mission forward. I sincerely thank you for the respect that you’ve shown me, despite my opposition to certain aspects of this cause directly opposing your own viewpoints. When the opportunity arises at the ministerial level of the Legislature, I plan to continue my advocacy for the advancement of healthcare within South Muskoka, as I’m certain your committee will also continue to do.
In particular, I shall adamantly oppose the announced site selection by the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare at 300 Pine Street, Bracebridge. It is irresponsible knowing that it shall be an absolutely devastating detriment for the Town of Bracebridge and for any hope of future growth in generations to come, should it proceed. The extreme mismanagement, outlandish expense, and highly improper site selection process by MAHC, must be corrected, Their irresponsible actions for site selection must be strongly opposed. I shall present my views on this publicly at a later opportunity.
I hope you understand my current position to step down as Chair, SSMHC. I know you will always support the best considerations in healthcare for our community as you have done previously. Once again, I truly thank you for your extreme efforts attempting to resolve this serious healthcare situation within South Muskoka.
Kindest regards,
Bruce C. Kruger, former Chair,
Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee
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Thr Brach Road site is adjacent to the Muskoka Royale site which is now a designated a provincially significant wetland. Major environmental impact. That alone renders it unsuitable.
Furthermore the Beach Road site requires major infrastructure to service. Think water and sewer etc. Also a long way from Town.
The Pine Street site is bought and paid for. Don’t have to deal with a developer. It’s ‘free’. Lots of room for a hospital and expansion. A sand pit with minimal environmental impact. Closer to Town and has services nearby.
Thats why it was chosen. The common sense choice.,
I agree fully that the site selection for the new hospital site in Bracebridge is wrong. MAHC hired a consultant and that consultant selected a site on the Beach road that is relatively flat and large enough to build a new hospital with room to expand. It appears to be a site that would need minimal cost for site work to build, compared to the gravel pit that was ultimately selected. The beach road has much better access compared to the PIT. Has MAHC ever given a good reason for not sticking with the Beach Road site?