Travel times among concerns at MAHC meeting in Burk’s Falls

Travel times among concerns at MAHC meeting in Burk’s Falls

BY DOUGLAS MCLEAN 

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) hosted their third community meeting to introduce, what they’re calling the Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare system of the future, at the Armour, Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Arena Hall, Wednesday evening, January 31. 2024.

Presented by Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO of MAHC, and accompanied by several other MAHC representatives and members of the board, the well-attended information session was held to introduce MAHC’s proposal for a two-hospital model in Muskoka. 

In summary, the proposed model will create two new acute care hospitals, located in Huntsville and Bracebridge, each providing separate services, with the goal of full patient care for the region through the two sites. 

Each hospital will provide 24/7 emergency services. Huntsville will provide predominately inpatient care, adding more beds and a level 3 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Bracebridge will provide all outpatient, ambulatory services, and remain at a level 2 ICU.  All day surgery will be conducted in Bracebridge with stays no longer than 72 hours. All obstetric services will be done in Huntsville. 

Emergency Departments in each hospital will expand to 27 beds; ‘Fast Track’ areas will improve patient flow. It is anticipated that opportunities for outpatient surgeries will also expand to include joint replacements, orthopedic trauma care and gynecology.     

Diagnostic services will be expanded, with Huntsville providing MRI (Magnet Resonance Imaging). Total bed capacity will increase to 157 beds overall, an increase of 34 beds; the majority in Huntsville. Stroke care and Rehabilitation will be focused in Huntsville. Level 3 ICU means that patients will be cared for in the area and not need to be sent to other suitable hospitals, an important expansion on current care.  

These recommendations facilitate an efficient utilization of resources with a net benefit for patient care, while attracting and retaining doctors, nurses and other health practitioners, according to MAHC representatives. The overall strategic goal is to eliminate or reduce duplication, expand services, and increase efficiencies and long-term affordability. 

Harrison summed up the proposed model in her closing statement, “I started this conversation that this was about more than two hospitals and the opportunities we have…to create more than just two hospitals. We’ve got a future of health care that I believe this model will support. Both hospitals are like two halves of a heart, they won’t operate without each other. I think people are worried that one might lose out, or something. Not in this case at all. There’s no way that either hospital can take on the work of the other hospital. I think we are well positioned with the two sited hospitals, not duplicating services, and doing exactly what we do today. We will reduce our risk of ever having to say we need to get rid of those services.”

Following the slide presentation, a lively discussion ensued with several questions from attendees. Concerns focused on increased travel time for day surgeries and overnight care in Huntsville. Particular emphasis was given to a public letter from South Muskoka doctors who disagree with the proposal. Harrison pointed out that these plans had been vetted through extensive user groups and thought that further discussion would positively alleviate concerns. 

Attracting and retaining staff was also a topic that garnered attention, with concerns raised about “for-profit- privatized services”. Diane George, Vice President, Integrated Care, Patient Services & Quality received enthusiastic applause when she championed hospital nurses, claiming private sector services that poached hospital staff would diminish with the advanced opportunities the proposed ‘Made-in-Muskoka Healthcare system’ will provide. 

A notable concern centred on forecasting technological changes and budgetary constraints on construction and operating costs.  Current estimates factor a 50 per cent increase in building material and labour costs since planning began in 2012. With a proposed tender date of 2027 and building estimated to commence in 2029, questions arose on the feasibility of projected expenditures.

The current Ministry of Infrastructure is offering $967 million for the two new hospitals but MAHC Board Chair, Moreen Miller, pointed out that the availability of those funds is contingent on an accepted plan within 2024 and stressed the urgency of the acceptance of the current proposal to ensure funding. 

Parry Sound-Muskoka Member of Parliament Graydon Smith closed the meeting by inviting all comments, concerns, and questions to be addressed to his constituency office.  

Further in-person community meetings are planned until February 07th, including two scheduled virtual chats. 

Visit www.mahc.ca/communitychats for information. 

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