Councillor Bob Stone is feeling optimistic. He was on CBC yesterday morning and noted that four physicians are waiting in the wings, ready to sign an agreement to practise medicine in Huntsville.
Despite criticism in some quarters, Stone said if physicians come to practice in Huntsville, it would be beneficial for all of Muskoka as they would likely practice in both hospital sites.
Stone said municipal representatives in Bracebridge have been critical of Huntsville’s initiative. “They feel that we should be working collaboratively to bring physicians to Muskoka; however, I have been sitting on the Muskoka and Area Health Team for two years. We hired a recruiter, and we’ve been working to bring physicians to the whole area, and we were able to achieve nothing,” he argued.
Stone said that at that point, concerned about the number of patients without a family doctor, Councillor Scott Morrison approached him about starting an initiative here and bringing businesses on board. “We investigated other municipalities that have incentive programs, and we landed right where we are, and we’re having great success right out of the gate.”
He said the program has been getting a lot of press, which is helping get the word out far and wide that Huntsville has extended the red carpet to get more physicians onboard. “We have already had many doctors call us and say, ‘tell us more about your program’ and now with all the press we’re getting, it’s going to double, I’m sure.”
Stone said the incentives include a free vehicle for a year from Drive Muskoka, golf course memberships, $500 certificates for restaurants, realtors offering to give 50 per cent back of their commission, lawyers and accountants willing to give their time for free. “We have a huge list all the way down to puppy yoga and sweatshirts.”
Councillor Morrison said health is a provincial responsibility, but the Town is not going to wait around while people suffer without a doctor. “We were elected by the people of Huntsville to make the town a better place to live. We take that responsibility seriously.”
There are an estimated 4000 Huntsville residents without a family physician, and that number is expected to grow as doctors retire.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
I must give credit to Councillor Stone for his interview on Ontario morning! Well done you Bob. Your concise, transparent comments gave me a lot of hope for our continuing “doctor acquiring adventure” which, through no fault of municipalities, is being created by our Conservative provincial government and their Ministry of Health. I was also happy to hear that the Accommodation Tax is being used not local tax dollars. Thank you Council.
Beverly Belanger says
Thank you Councillors Stone & Morrison! Well done!
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
It exciting optimism. I await the signature at least one. This agreement, I expect would be with Algonquin Hospital and patients could be from the area and admitted to both hospitals. A win for all of Muskoka as will be our new hospital with 2 sites. Great concept. Let’s get on with it as most of the people involved in this controversy will never see it build. WE ARE BUILDING FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. Medicine and Muskoka will certainly be different than today. Vision is required
Shirley Campbell says
My young family doctor just gave his notice that he is leaving Huntsville along with three others. If you recruit doctors how are you going to retain them? What are their needs and concerns?
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Great work, we do what we have to to succeed.
Thank you
Sharon Busse says
I agree with Shirley Campbell. We need to figure out how to retain the doctors (and nurses).
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Shirley Campbell,
Good point; ‘talking’ with Doctors enquiring about our incentive plan, is a perfect opportunity to question them about what’s needed to keep them here.
Kudos to Councillor Stone also.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Wonderful news! We’re heading in the right direction. Thank you!
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Re posting by Shirley Campbell. 4 young doctors leaving Huntsville.
It would be interesting to know why these 4 doctors are leaving.
Problem with the MAHC? Huntsville hospital? Huntsville itself?
It would be easier to recruit young doctors if we knew about ongoing problems
and why some would rather leave.
Eric Mchugh says
In your written story, there is no mention of the $80,000 cash incentive. Is this true? It was reported on CBC before Mr. Stone’s interview. Could this be the reason the Town of Bracebridge is upset?