Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock says Huntsville is well-represented in ongoing discussions with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), which manages both the Huntsville and Bracebridge hospital sites, regarding its hospital redevelopment model.
“I believe they heard clearly that there was quite a bit of dissatisfaction with the new health care model presented at the meetings, especially from our neighbours to the south…To this end they are engaging all stakeholders for focused consultation sessions on the concerns raised with a view to consider a possible update to the model,” she wrote via email correspondence with Huntsville Doppler.
The mayor said consultations include “representatives from the health care sector including credentialed staff from both the north and south Muskoka. We (local leaders) from Muskoka and our neighbours to the north have and continue to be engaged in discussions with MAHC to receive updates on these ongoing consultations,” said the mayor who assured that Huntsville is well represented in ongoing discussions.
Huntsville Councillor Bob Stone, who sits on the District Health Services Committee, had something similar to say when asked whether there were concerns with the loudest community driving the hospital agenda to the detriment of others. “Absolutely not. We’re working every single day on this issue. It is top of mind and we are speaking with everyone involved,” said Stone. “Just because we’re not stomping our feet and yelling and screaming, it doesn’t mean that work isn’t being done,” he concluded.
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
Randy Spencer says
Folks all I can say is get it done the Dooms Day clock is ticking. Were none of you involved in past proposals at municipal level ? is this a surprise to all levels of govt ? did you think we were going to get may I say 2 fully stock Hospitals ? All this time has been taken or dragged on to find out this proposal does not work! are the people at the helm incompetent ? I do not want to think this but! As semi retired resident my heart goes out to the younger generation who want to be here and they see this bungling.
We seem to get all these fast food joints up and running in no time all over town but something as important as healthcare takes a decade or possibly decades ??
Nancy Long says
I wonder how long it took previous governments to get the “new” hospital built in 1978. A comparison might help us understand the process.
Randy Spencer says
Nancy Long that is a great question ? The saddest part today are the cost increases are so dramatic it seems, would be another good comparison