There are currently an estimated 150 job vacancies at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), which manages both the Huntsville and Bracebridge hospitals.
“Recruitment of first-class people to join our team has continued to be an important focus of our Human Resources team. Hospitals across the province are facing staffing challenges with turnover in hospital staff through exits and retirements and Muskoka’s hospitals are no different,” according to MAHC CEO and president Cheryl Harrison.
“Recruiting to health care during an active pandemic is an ongoing challenge, and with shortages in some professional categories (i.e. Registered Nurses, Lab Technologists, Ultrasound Technologists), it makes it even more difficult. The temporary nature of some of the open positions to cover maternity or parental leave, etc. often makes it more difficult to recruit new staff, combined with local housing affordability. MAHC continues to monitor staffing levels and manage the ongoing staffing challenges addressing day-to-day operations as required,” she added via email correspondence.
Both hospitals are continuing to work through surgical backlogs.
“Surgical Services continues at a capacity we can manage (70 to 90% of our volumes), while continuing to complete all emergent/urgent procedures at both sites. We know that approximately 300 patients are past the wait time targets for their respective surgeries and together with local surgeons we keep working through the backlog and continue to appreciate patience and understanding,” said Harrison.
Currently, MAHC is caring for five patients with COVID-19. Should there be a resurgence of the virus this winter, MAHC will be ready. “Should there be a major resurgence of the virus this winter, MAHC has all of the pandemic protocols in place and at the ready. Our staff are tired…They’re working at their capacity. It’s one day at a time. Our community can help by masking where it’s appropriate for protection, frequent handwashing and getting vaccine boosters as they are eligible.”
MAHC has also been running ad campaigns trying to direct those who are not experiencing serious and life-threatening health concerns away from the hospitals’ Emergency Departments to more appropriate care.
“Muskoka’s hospitals are still in the midst of the pandemic with unprecedented hospital use and high occupancy. Emergency Department volumes are rising. Wait times are getting longer. You can help by seeking the most appropriate option for care by choosing the right care in the right place at the right time by the right provider,” states its website.
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