The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee continues to be disappointed with the limited increase in beds offered by MAHC for the Bracebridge Hospital. The committee feels that the claim of an increased bed count by 18 is in reality a decrease of 31 beds from the existing 67-bed count at the South Muskoka Hospital (SMH). These numbers fail to reflect the increased requirements of beds due to future population growth.
The SSMH committee feels there will be a negative impact on doctor retention and recruitment, as well as the extra burden placed on families due to frequent long travel distance to Huntsville. There will also be additional costs associated with ambulance transfers between the two facilities, which no plan has been put forward.
The SSMH Committee disagrees with MAHC’s claim that they are dedicated to a transparent, inclusive process. Despite requests, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has failed to disclose any financial estimates, and proposals, nor have they addressed past and proposed expenditure comparisons for the two hospitals including property development and personnel expenditures.
Save South Muskoka Hospital believes that in order for citizens of Muskoka to be able to make informed decisions pertaining to the costs of these two hospital mega projects, all financial documentation for these issues must be released by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. This call for transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process reflects a commitment to accountability and fairness that MAHC has an obligation to fulfil. Our clear message to MAHC is to keep their promise of two acute and equal hospitals; produce the financial documentation.
For further info contact [email protected] and visit ssmh.ca
Bruce C. Kruger, Chair
Save South Muskoka Hospital
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