Muskoka Alonguqin Healthcare has just released the following statement about proposed changes to the level of service at the Bracebridge and Huntsville hospital sites:
“Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is releasing an important statement to reinforce its commitment to further consideration of the hospital redevelopment proposal.
The Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare team understands the importance of carefully considered hospital redevelopment plans, not only to our communities but also to our healthcare team. Consultation on a proposed model is an essential step in our journey toward defining a future model of care across two new hospitals that enhances quality of care for everyone and is sustainable and affordable.
There has been substantial feedback shared through eight community engagements attended by nearly 2,000 people in person or virtually, on various social media platforms, and direct emails to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. All feedback is valued and appreciated and is being listened to, including the advocacy and feedback provided by community leaders such as Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith and local mayors.
The team is committed to taking the time necessary to explore input and changes to a future model of care to develop the right solution for all communities served by the hospitals that ensures enhanced quality care, sustainability and affordability.
Consultation is continuing with discussions scheduled later this month with the medical staff that belong to the Credentialed Staff Association. Arrangements are also being made for a second community meeting in Bracebridge on Monday, February 12, 2024 with more details to be shared. The Capital Redevelopment Project Team is committed to continued engagement with all stakeholders – hospital staff, physicians and midwives, volunteers healthcare partners, and the community at large – over the next several months.”
The province is responsible for the vast majority of the funding of the nearly $1 billion project. Updated cost estimates from MAHC have put the project, as originally proposed, at closer to $1.5 billion.
That increase in cost was the primary driver behind the creation of the proposed Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare system. That plan, released in late January, calls for the reallocation of the services available at the two hospitals.
Under the new plan, the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital would have 139 acute care beds and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) would have 14 beds. Both facilities would have 24/7 emergency rooms with SMMH increasing emergency room beds from 11 to 27. The number of inpatient beds in Bracebridge would decrease from 67 to 18. Huntsville’s inpatient care beds will go from 56 to 139.
MAHC anticipates surgical/ procedural visits will go from 3,900 to 9,7000 in Bracebridge. Bracebridge will lose obstetrics but Harrison said the site should see 2,000 more visits a year.
The proposal was lambasted by many south Muskoka healthcare workers, politicians and members of the public during a series of meetings MAHC has hosted across the region.
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How about we do not spend a billion and a half on a new hospital that is less than what we currently have in Bracebridge. The current hospital is paid for and serves the community well. All we need is chemotherapy, dialysis and joint replacement surgeries. That will fit into the current hospital.