On Monday afternoon in the Ontario Legislature Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, made the following statement in support of increased and stable funding for small- and medium-sized hospitals including Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC):
“I rise today to highlight the challenges facing Ontario’s small- and medium-sized hospitals, including those in my riding. Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, which runs the hospitals in Huntsville and Bracebridge, has long faced funding challenges. The residents of these communities are passionate defenders of their hospitals, and I support them in their call to maintain the two full-service hospitals.
MAHC hospitals serve a huge area that runs from Burk’s Falls and Magnetawan south to Severn Bridge and east to Algonquin Park. This area has a permanent population of 58,000, but in the summer that number more than doubles to 140,000. In 2016-17, MAHC dealt with 44,236 emergencies visits, admitted 4,891 patients, performed 8,546 surgeries and scopes, and delivered 282 babies. My thanks to the 625 staff, 85 physicians and 320 volunteers who make sure residents of east Parry Sound-Muskoka get these services.
But they need more funding to continue to provide topnotch medical services, and they need to know that funding is stable.
Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith appeared at the pre-budget consultation in Sudbury to advocate for more and stable funding for small- and medium-sized hospitals.
The people of Parry Sound-Muskoka and other rural parts of Ontario deserve equal access to health care services.”
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Tom Dowswell says
Reminder that Norm Miller and every PC candidate mandate poverty for the sake of profit take from Rolling back wage increases to stating low wage workers are NEDED for biz to make a profit take ! That means municipal taxpayers will be on the hook for stress related health care , housing and much more in the way of social supports into the no pension plan days ! Are we ready to pay even more for SICK PC policy’s like this that will user in a have and have not Ontario?
David Jewell says
Amazing!! Hardly anyone in the house!! Who, of any consequence, heard Norm’s plea on behalf of the people of the District of Muskoka and East Parry Sound?
Bob Slater says
If you think Muskoka is going to get 2 full services hospitals with appropriate funding for new equipment, new staff, increased services, more parking, more beds etc etc and .. everything else …times X 2… just for a minute .. think of the cost ($$) .. a reality check is needed! I ..Will be very surprised if the government will fund 2 full service hospitals that are old and need major renovations … no matter how you want to look at it …the ‘same old .. same old’ discussion points will always be there with a 2 hospital decision. Its time for Muskoka to get a new upgraded, latest technology, latest services, best staff etc etc … one hospital strategy.. you will not get it($$) etc etc with appropriate funding for 2 hospitals. Muskoka deserves it!
Russell Nicholls says
I was very impressed with the way our presentation team presented our case for keeping our Huntsville hospital operation, Job well done! Let’s just hope their minds are not already made up for the new one hospital site half-way between Huntsville and Bracebridge!
I was just thinking about this Waterloo University building. Don’t sell it! That would be a major mistake!
Someone recently mentioned that it could be used for administrative Town Hall services off premises, which to me makes a lot of sense . Also, on Dopplar a few days ago, someone proposed that a lot of the hospital administrative office now operating in the hospital, could be moved to another site off premises, but close to the hospital. With this in mind , why couldn’t they utilize whatever space they need, in the University building. They would still have ample space available for other functions!
Just a thought!