The following is an open letter sent to the mayor and councillors of the Township of Muskoka Lakes:
Good Evening Mayor & Councillors,
After watching the Township Finance Meeting today, I just had to make some comments.
It was certainly refreshing to witness some lengthy discussion regarding the proposed hospital(s) today by most of our township representatives, even though I disagreed with a lot that was stated.
How could anyone on Council say this hospital debate is “Outside our Township Jurisdiction and we should stay within our lane”. Do you realize that the Township you represent will be providing +/-40% of the District of Muskoka financial share toward this hospital. This should certainly be in our jurisdiction and in our lane, maybe the biggest cost item to our township ever.
Being represented well at all levels? and attending meetings with the various stakeholders and taking good notes is hardly what is required. The Township of Muskoka Lakes should be a leader in these debates and putting forward the “Right Answer” for a hospital, that would best look after the health needs for your constituents.
It is disappointing to hear now, with all the time that has elapsed concerning this issue;
“As a Township it is outside our jurisdiction”
“How do we participate”
“What can we do”
“No involvement”
No question, it will ultimately come down to a final decision made by the Minister of Health and Cabinet, but we can put our best foot forward to guide that decision; not just sit back and watch what Bracebridge & Huntsville put forward for their constituents.
For those, who don’t have a position on this, as they understand it not to be within their jurisdiction and want to stay within their lane; I will take this opportunity to give you “The Right Answer”; which is to build One Hospital in Bracebridge.
This is the most fiscally responsible option, located in the centre town of the three towns and the most central town to majority of the population of the Greater Muskoka Area. One Councillor today was promoting how little duplication of services was being offered through the two hospital model; that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Building one hospital eliminates all duplication and ongoing operational and maintenance costs where two facilities are involved.
Transportation costs and the resultant health hazards caused by patient transfers is just beyond logic.
Finally trying to staff the two hospitals today is a huge problem and it appears to be getting worse. No, new professionals are looking to work in/for a small operation anywhere; they are looking for the biggest and the best. Our best chance to attract more and specialized health professionals is, if we build One large state of the art hospital at $967M.
One large state of the art hospital is the “Right Answer” for all constituents in the Greater Muskoka Area(Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst & Township of Muskoka Lakes).
I encourage you to be leaders on the most important issue of our times.
Regards,
Pat Moran
Muskoka Lakes
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Hugh Mackenzie says
Pat Moran : My view for hospital care in Muskoka is one hospital, with two campuses, as we have now, who between them can offer state of the art hospital care without unnecessary duplication. Any economic study would show you that if either Bracebridge or Huntsville lost their hospital site, it would result in dire circumstances for that community. If you feel strongly that their should only be one hospital site in Muskoka, you should perhaps note that in addition to the Bracebridge site there are two hospitals between Bracebridge and Barrie. Between Huntsville and North Bay, there are no hospitals. We need to be careful what we wish for. It may not turn out as you wished it to.
Peter Zychowski says
Huntsville is the central location.
Mr. Moran evidently doesn’t know or care that MAHC serves Almaguin too.
Huntsville is also the regional stroke centre and has been for decades.
Norm Raynor says
Please read my comments on the north muskoka doppler.
Colleen Little says
It seems to me, that this is turning into Huntsville V Bracebridge, it is becoming very clear as these conversations keep going on. What about saving both hospital sites, not just one???. Indeed Hugh Mackenzie, some very good points stated.
Pat Moran says
Mr. Mackenzie,
We should never mix our hospital care with economic development,. You will not be wishing; you will get what is being proposed now, with major duplications.
Building and maintaining hospitals are among the most expensive buildings to construct today; using Hospitals as your economic development plan is totally missing the mark, obviously at the detriment of health care. And yes I’m quite aware what geographic area we are considering. Mr. Mackenzie you know the history well, that this all about two previous mayors getting their way, for their constituents to the detriment of the Greater Muskoka Area.
Andrew Sommers says
I believe in 2 hospital sites in order to cover the largest area possible. I also think one would be quite naive if they didn’t understand the benefit of a hospital to economic development. All the smaller towns that are getting new residential developments in large number also have one thing in common, which is being in close proximity to a hospital!!