Further to an alarming press release issued by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (which manages both the Bracebridge and Huntsville hospitals) on October 4, 2023, regarding patient gridlock being experienced at both sites, Diane George, Vice President of Integrated Care, Patient Services & Quality, said various factors are at play, which have resulted in overcapacity at both hospital sites.
“Occupancy has been a challenge for years hence our work to redevelop Muskoka’s hospitals. We believe the current spike in occupancy challenges is driven by systemic issues compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the general health care needs of our aging communities,” stated George via an email statement.
“Today, we have 50 Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients across both hospitals who no longer require acute care services of the hospital and are awaiting placement in an alternate setting – such as a long-term care facility, retirement home, or to go home with the appropriate home care supports in place. This continues to reinforce Muskoka’s need for new, expanded hospitals to manage today’s volumes let alone demand in the future. Staff shortages in areas across the hospital also contribute to operating challenges, but more importantly are placing added pressure on our staff, physicians and midwives.”
With the planned development of two new hospitals—one in Bracebridge and one in Huntsville—MAHC will see its beds increase by an additional 50 with a planned total number of beds between both sites at 150 beds.
The new Fairvern District Nursing Home currently being built has been approved for 160 beds, an overall increase of 84 beds from its current 76.
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Ruth Kennedy says
There are not enough doctors and nurses, tech staff and maintenance staff now. How are you going to staff the new hospitals? They have known for fifty years the boomers would need long term care homes and nursing homes. Never did a darn thing about it. Now the boomer kids aren’t going to have facilities either to meet their needs. One has to wait nearly a month just to see their healthcare providers. Sad state of our country.