Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith said he was troubled to learn of a motion being presented at the Tuesday, July 2, meeting of the MAHC Board of Directors instructing consultants to move forward with the current hospital redevelopment plan.
The motion, although passed with an addendum, read as follows: “That upon the recommendation of the Capital Redevelopment Steering Committee, the Board of Directors:
“1. Authorize the consultants to proceed with the formal, detailed planning and documentation for the Stage 1.3 Submission to the Ministry of Health regarding the functional programming for the redevelopment of the two hospitals based on the current proposed model as detailed in the Report.
“2. And continue to work on the model with consultants and all stakeholders to collaborate on strategies for addressing flexible space, future capacity planning, and the key issues identified for the success of the project identified in the Report.”
That motion prompted Smith to release an open letter to the Chair of the Board and its members ahead of the meeting, urging that the motion be rescinded.
In follow up correspondence, Smith said he is disappointed to see that the Board went ahead and passed the motion, albeit with an added component to establish a working group tasked with addressing concerns over beds and transportation issues.
“Clearly, the current proposal has been met with deep dissatisfaction by many in one half of MAHC’s two primary catchment areas. When dozens of doctors express repeated, serious alarm over the plan, it’s incumbent upon the hospital planners at MAHC, or any hospital corporation, to listen, engage and reassess,” noted Smith.
“It was my understanding that this process of consultation and reflection was ongoing, and that discussions with physicians and municipalities, primarily in the south, were occurring in good faith with a desire to satisfy those from Almaguin in the north to Gravenhurst in the south. This is why I was troubled to learn of the motion to instruct MAHC’s consultants to proceed with the current proposal. It was, and is my belief, that this motion undermined and eroded trust in MAHC’s ability to take the feedback it received and put it to good use,” he said.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock said she and council have always been committed to working with all of MAHC’s stakeholders to bring about the best possible scenario for healthcare in all of Muskoka and Almaguin. “The way I see it, I hope that all of the area leaders and stakeholders continue to work together,” she said. “We need to work towards that end goal, which is healthcare that will benefit everybody involved.”
Alcock said she remains optimistic that a submission by MAHC can still be made in November. She reiterated that community leaders need to come together and take advantage of what she described as an incredible opportunity and work together to make it happen.
Regarding timing and possible delays, Smith said, “I wish to emphasize that I have and will continue to make it clear that these are priority redevelopments. It’s more important to get the submission to the province right from the beginning, rather than having it rejected, modified, or having to request a do-over should circumstances change.
“We are the recipients of more funding on a per capita basis for these new hospitals than any other area of Ontario. I am confident, as are the many doctors and administrators that I speak with, that a rock-solid plan that ensures the long-term viability of outstanding health care for every community in Almaguin and Muskoka is possible. I’ll continue to work to make that happen,” said Smith.
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I Agree with MAHC. Get the shovels in the ground . Affordable and sustainable !