From Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare:
The Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), consisting of department chiefs, clinical committee chairs, medical directors, and physician leads from both North and South Muskoka, has provided its strong endorsement through a consensus statement in support of the proposed health system plan designed to transform regional healthcare delivery.
As trusted advisors the MAC is the leading medical committee that oversees the quality of medical care and provides council to the Board of Directors on all medical matters. The MAC operates within a decision framework that prioritizes quality of care while recognizing budget constraints, government regulations, and the current deterioration of facilities. The committee’s endorsement comes after rigorous assessment and comprehensive feedback from care-providers and community stakeholders and is based on the potential of the plan to maintain and enhance healthcare quality across Muskoka and surrounding areas.
“We, the members of the MAC, fully support the updated plan for our regional healthcare system as presented by the Project Team. This plan, improved through valuable community feedback, serves as a strong foundation for enhancing healthcare across Muskoka and surrounding areas. It aims to effectively expand our system and ensure each community sees improvements.
The strategy is carefully designed to maintain fiscal responsibility, reflecting our commitment to responsible use of public funds. This financial stewardship is apparent in managing initial construction costs and ensuring sustainable operational expenses.
We are committed to actively collaborating with the Project Team to address any issues that arise as we implement this plan. Together, we aim to develop a forward-thinking healthcare system that meets current demands and is prepared for future healthcare challenges. Our support for this plan shows our belief in its potential to improve healthcare delivery in our region.”
The MAC calls on the medical community and local politicians to support this vital project, which represents a significant investment from the province in healthcare development for the region. The collaboration of all stakeholders is essential, particularly considering the tight timeline and existing financial and governmental constraints.
The endorsed plan signifies a strategic transition from operating two independent small hospitals to adopting a cohesive regional healthcare approach, where two interdependent hospital sites complement each other and the broader local health system. This strategy aims to improve and expand services, benefiting each community in the region. It includes thorough risk mitigation strategies and a commitment to ongoing collaboration with healthcare providers to effectively adapt and respond to operational needs.
As MAHC continues engagement in the coming weeks, the MAC remains committed to its leadership role, supporting the planning team through this phase with a focus on strategic understanding, collaboration, and excellent healthcare delivery.
Members of the MAC:
Chief of Staff, Dr. Khaled Abdel-Razek (both sites)
Chief & Director of Emergency Medicine, Dr. John Simpson (both sites)
Chief & Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Jason Blaichman (both sites)
Chief of Obstetrical Services, Dr. Sheena Branigan (both sites)
Chief of Surgical Services, Dr. Hector Roldan (both sites)
Chief of Internal Medicine, Dr. Khaled Salem (both sites)
Chief of Family Medicine, Dr. Kristen Jones (SMMH)
Chief of Family Medicine, Dr. Melanie Mar (HDMH)
Quality Lead Physician, Dr. Keith Cross (SMMH)
Quality Lead Physician, Dr. Caroline Correia (HDMH)
Chief Medical Information Officer, Dr. Nick Biasutti (both sites)
Chair of Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Dr. David Johnstone (both sites)
President of Credentialed Staff Association, Dr. Allison Small
Vice President of Credentialed Staff Association, Dr. Joseph Gleeson
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peggy tupper says
It is unfortunate that staff doctors must kowtow to the bureaucrats. I suspect that their “agreement” was mandatory. This board at MAHC is arrogant beyond belief. To say that no further changes will be made is not what the people of south Muskoka want. What is needed is a new board at MAHC ………. first to go should be the CEO.
Cathey Goodwin says
Three cheers for MAHC for luring more people into accepting their plan. It certainly isn’t what hundreds of people who attended the South Muskoka rally want. It looks as though Bracebridge might have to just be satisfied with a new building. Whether or not it is enough to attract and retain doctors remains to be seen. But perhaps that is all part of Ford’s desire to privatize medicine.
Norm Raynor says
Is the MAC list correct? I thought Dr Keith Cross had retired, and another news publication shows Dr. Kristen Jones as being in support of the proposal put forth by the doctors (by her signature). Also why does the list not show which site is the doctors primary location?
Norm Raynor says
After speaking with a doctor on the MAC that MAHC lists as having agreed to the 36 bed hospital for South Muskoka I find the this particular doctor does not agree with MAHC. So when MAHC says the the doctors on the MAC agree with MAHC they are not telling us the truth. NOT ALL THE DOCTORS THINK MAHC’s plan is good.