South Muskoka mayors respond favourably to proposed changes to hospital redevelopment plan

Muskoka may be much closer to working out its redevelopment woes for two new hospital sites.

A release issued by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) yesterday noted that its Capital Redevelopment Steering Committee would be recommending to the MAHC Board, when it meets on October 10, that it add ten beds to the Bracebridge hospital site. That recommendation seems to be gaining support.

MPP Graydon Smith issued a statement of support, as did Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock.

Bracebridge and Gravenhurst mayors Rick Maloney and Heidi Lorenz, along with 45 physicians in South Muskoka, have also issued statements of support.

Statement from Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney:

“Today, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s Capital Redevelopment Committee announced plans to present a recommendation to the Board of Directors on October 10, which includes the addition of 10 incremental net new beds to the Bracebridge site.

This is encouraging news and a direct result of several months of collaborative efforts by the Town, local doctors, and members of the community. I wish to acknowledge the leadership of MPP Graydon Smith. His ongoing effort has been instrumental in protecting the future of healthcare in our community.

I am also pleased to learn today that our doctors, who have strongly advocated for more acute care beds, believe that a 46-bed model can adequately serve the acute care needs of South Muskoka.

The Town of Bracebridge is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our community and will strongly advocate for opportunities that keep care in our community. I will continue to support the efforts of the District of Muskoka to address the challenges of patients requiring alternative levels of care (ALC), and I am confident that with focused and collaborative efforts, we can work towards solutions that allow patients to be closer to the care and support they require.

I am hopeful the Board will endorse this recommendation at their meeting this Thursday.”

Statement from Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz:

“The update from Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare earlier today regarding new hospitals for the area is a positive sign that things are going in the right direction.

Since the outset we have placed our trust in the process and so it is reaffirming to see that MAHC’s capital redevelopment steering committee is responding to feedback from various individuals and organizations. 

I was delighted to see the committee is recommending to the MAHC board of directors the addition of 10 new beds to the Bracebridge site, increasing the total to 46. 

Clearly, consultation has been key to ensuring a plan for the best new hospitals possible. 

I commend everyone who has provided input to MAHC, in particular our local doctors. Your participation in the process is a testament to your commitment to our community. 

Gravenhurst is pleased to support a plan that our local medical professionals can get behind. It was great to see that 45 physicians have signed a letter of support for the proposal to add 10 beds at the Bracebridge site. The MAHC board will consider the recommendation on Thursday, Oct. 10.

I want to thank MAHC officials for their unwavering dedication to the delivery of health care in Muskoka. We are fortunate to have a team of highly skilled professionals working on our behalf. 

As well, I want to recognize our MPP, Graydon Smith, for his advocacy on this file. 

The Town of Gravenhurst looks forward to supporting Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare as the organization moves forward with its plans to build new hospitals. 

It is certainly an exciting time for health care in Muskoka.”

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