Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team
The Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team (MAOHT) is pleased to announce the hiring of Natalie Bubela as the Executive Lead to head its Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Steering Committee and oversee the development of an ALC strategy for the Muskoka and Almaguin regions.
Ms. Bubela, a seasoned healthcare professional with extensive experience and the former CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), brings a wealth of expertise in healthcare management and strategic leadership. Her role will be instrumental in guiding the MAOHT’s efforts to develop a comprehensive, community-focused ALC strategy.
Approximately 30 per cent of hospital patients in Muskoka are classified as “Alternate Level of Care” (ALC), which means they no longer require acute hospital care but cannot be discharged due to a variety of reasons such as a lack of appropriate housing, community-based supports, or socio-economic resources.
ALC is a complex issue that reflects broader health system challenges, which the future ALC strategy will seek to address through integrated and collaborative approaches, based in the community. Addressing this issue is critical as patient care is best when care can be accessed smoothly across the continuum where patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time by the right provider.
The MAOHT, alongside its partners, has already made strides in addressing this challenge by collaborating on innovative programs aimed at reducing the local ALC burden. Building on this work, the ALC strategy will leverage these achievements to create even more integrated solutions. Click here to learn more.
“The need for additional ALC capacity is urgent, and it’s something we all recognize, from healthcare leaders to community groups,” said Jeff Lehman, Chair of the District of Muskoka. “The strain on our hospitals is compounded by the shortage of affordable long-term care and housing options, leaving patients in hospital beds while they await appropriate care. This challenge has become particularly severe in Muskoka. I’m confident that, under Natalie’s leadership, we can make significant progress in expanding ALC capacity, easing the burden on hospitals, and ensuring patients receive the care they need in the right environment.”
As Executive Lead, Ms. Bubela will oversee the ALC strategy for the MAOHT, in collaboration with its partners, to develop both short-and long-term strategic solutions for the ALC challenge. This includes engaging with home and community-based support providers to co-create sustainable care options that enable individuals to remain in comfortable, safe settings, close to family and friends. The strategy will aim to prioritize meeting the varied needs of local patients, many of whom require preventative care solutions delivered in the community.
“I am so pleased to be leading this important strategy for the Muskoka and Almaguin regions,” said Natalie Bubela. “Addressing the challenges of Alternate Level of Care requires both immediate solutions and a long-term vision. Our goal is not only to ensure that patients currently classified as ALC receive the care they need in the right setting, but also to focus on proactive strategies that prevent individuals from reaching ALC status. By strengthening community-based supports and addressing care needs earlier, we can improve outcomes for patients while reducing strain on hospitals and the broader healthcare system.”
This initiative reflects a collaborative effort, with the MAOHT designated to lead the ALC strategy following a forum hosted by the District of Muskoka in September. While Ms. Bubela’s appointment is focused on short-term strategic leadership, the implementation of the strategy will be carried out by healthcare partners in coordination with the newly established ALC Task Force.
“ALC patients often require care that is better provided in a more suitable setting than a hospital. Hospitals play a critical role in acute care, but community-based solutions are essential to ensure individuals receive the right care in the right place. By enhancing supports outside of hospitals, we can help transition ALC patients to appropriate care and prevent unnecessary hospital stays altogether,” said Dr. Keith Cross and Jodi Phillips, Co-Chairs of the MAOHT Alliance Council. “We are thrilled to welcome Natalie Bubela to this critical role, as her experience and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes make her the perfect fit to lead this initiative.”
The MAOHT remains committed to transparent communication and community engagement as it works to improve healthcare for Muskoka and Almaguin residents. Updates on the ALC strategy and other MAOHT initiatives will be shared as progress continues.
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