UPDATE, February 14: This post has been edited to include a second media release sent by MAHC on February 14. See the end of this post for details.
The Capital Plan Development Task Force met on January 29 and confirmed details around a public meeting to hear from the public. The task force is committed to ensuring community members have an opportunity to speak directly to the task force as the work around possible models for the future continues.
The purpose of the meeting is for task force members to listen to the community and hear ideas from the public about hospital future planning that the task force can ponder and reflect on before making its recommendation on a preferred model to the Muskoka Algonquin Health Care (MAHC) Board of Directors.
The task force confirmed the public meeting at the District of Muskoka Council Chambers on Thursday, March 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. where members of the public can make presentations to the task force and members of the MAHC Board. Notice of the meeting is being shared to stakeholders and advertised broadly through the media. The task force is also welcoming written submissions in lieu of an oral presentation.
The task force agreed the public meeting will follow a similar approach to delegations to municipal government whereby presenters are afforded 10 minutes to present their ideas. Presenters are asked to register in advance and provide a brief summary of the key presentation points. Upon registering, presenters will receive a copy of the Delegation Procedure that presenters are expected to adhere to.
Details about the public meeting and the requirements around both oral and written submissions are posted on the Consultation page in the Planning for the Future section of the MAHC website or visit www.bit.ly/MAHCmeeting.
The task force also confirmed arrangements for the follow-up workshop with clinicians at the end of February to finalize the Two Sites – Not Status Quo model to arrive at a draft.
The next task force meeting is February 26, 2018.
February 14:
Hospital Future Planning Public Meeting Entertains Delegations from Public
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s Capital Plan Development Task Force is committed to ensuring members of the public have an opportunity to speak directly to the task force as the work around possible models for the future continues.
The task force is hosting a public meeting at District of Muskoka Council Chambers on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. to receive presentations from the community.
The purpose of the public meeting is to listen to the community and hear ideas from the public about hospital future planning that the task force members can ponder and reflect on before making its recommendation to the Board on a preferred model.
To ensure presenters can be accommodated in a schedule, community members are asked to register as a presenter by February 26, 2018 and receive a copy of the Procedure for Delegations by contacting Paula Bildson by email to [email protected] or call 705-789-2311 ext. 2756.
Written submissions in lieu of an oral presentation will also be accepted and can be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 705-789-0557 or mailed to the attention of Paula Bildson at 100 Frank Miller Drive, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 1H7. All written submissions will be provided to the task force and MAHC Board of Directors.
Details of the public meeting and the Procedure for Delegations are posted on the MAHC website on the “Consultation” page in the Planning for the Future section at www.mahc.ca/planning-for-the-
Representatives of the MAHC Board of Directors will also be in attendance to hear the presentations.
Anyone who is unable to attend the public meeting in person will be able to watch through live streaming at www.muskoka.on.ca/webcasts. An archived webcast will also be posted on the MAHC website following the meeting.
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Jenny Kirkpatrick says
Even if we aren’t comfortable with presenting, we can submit our thoughts to be considered. AND let’s ALL be there to support those who stand up. Through our numbers we can let the Task Force understand that Huntsville needs, wants and insists upon an acute-active care hospital in our town.
Bill Paterson says
Too many of us missed public meetings when changes were first explored which almost allowed MAHC board to have their way. We must be vocal and tell our friends and get as many people out as possible. The elephant is still in the room being fed by the current MAHC board. They don’t want a hospital in Huntsville or put another way, they want a new hospital in Bracebridge. Muskoka doesn’t end in Bracebridge and the catchment area of Huntsville hospital doesn’t end at the Muskoka/Parry Sound border.
Jim Sinclair says
I agree Bill. But, the MAHC is made up of self-entitled people. Wonder how much they get paid?
Jim Sinclair says
Jenny,
I will be away on a much needed holiday, but I sent MY list to Ruby. I agree with you.
Tracy Muckler says
Is there only going to be one Public Meeting? The District of Muskoka’s Council Chambers are in Bracebridge. What about the people in Huntsville and north and east of it who may not have transportation to Bracebridge or find it a burden to get there. Will they have the opportunity to listen to presenters and show their support as well in the Huntsville area?
Jenny Kirkpatrick says
I didn’t clue into the fact that it will be held in Bracebridge…..Obviously, there should be a meeting in Huntsville too. Given the fear that we will lose our acute-active care hospital to Bacebridge (and the Task Force is well aware of our concern about this), the choice of 1 meeting in Bracebridge seems particularly tone-deaf. This isn’t brain science….can’t the task Force see how this seems to favour input and attendance from Bracebridge ???
Russell Nicholls says
To the MAHC Plan Development Task Force; Are you suggesting that everyone in Huntsville area proper, and north, east and southeast will have to drive all the way to Bracebridge to hear what’s on the drawing board for the hospital. Why are you not setting up a similar meeting here in Huntsville for our area tax-payers?
There are two hospitals involved or are your plans already laid?