Submitted by the office of Parry Sound-Muskoka Member of Provincial Parliament Graydon Smith
I’m very pleased to see that Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) and the concerned physicians of South Muskoka met recently and continue to work towards a future hospital design solution that benefits all of Muskoka and Almaguin.
Since last winter, I have been actively meeting with the leadership of MAHC, the doctors from across Muskoka, municipal leaders and many members of the public in an effort to find common ground and, ultimately, come to a plan that creates a win-win scenario for the future of the area.
I wish to reiterate what I said when the original proposal was presented. I called on MAHC to slow down and take the opportunity to absorb what the community had said. I know there have been plan modifications and communication with different groups. I was encouraged this week when the meeting with municipalities, MAHC and some South Muskoka doctors took place. My understanding is the meeting was productive.
Muskoka and Almaguin have been presented with an historic investment from the current provincial government. No other area similar in population size in the province has received this level of financial commitment for hospital redevelopment. It’s critical that MAHC and the community at large make the most of this multi-generational opportunity to provide the residents of Muskoka and Almaguin with two, state of the art, acute care hospitals.
I want to thank Mayor Maloney for his efforts in facilitating this week’s meeting. I also wish to acknowledge the physicians and representatives from MAHC who attended the meeting in good faith and with open ears and minds.
I will continue to do my best to bring people together and find common ground on which to develop a plan that best serves our entire riding for many decades to come.
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
Why wasnt Huntsville invited to this so called joint meeting ,or Burks Falls or Sundridge etc. Someone better pull up there socks or the elections are going to go bad for all levels.
I just read that the money also covers Almaquin not just Muskoka. What about the area east and west of highway from highway to North Bay – a huge area? We need a hospital in Burks Falls!! Speak up Almaquin before it’s too late! A new hospital could help draw much needed Doctors to this area.
Staffing at the present hospital question?
Like the Bracebridge Hospital how many personal care workers are being bused from Toronto or elsewhere every few days to work ? Are registered nurses leaving the Huntsville hospital? Please update on the staffing details so citizens know who is looking after their health.
Thank you.
Interesting comments don’t you think Huntsville citizens, council and mayor. We are simply part of Muskoka. That’s true. But our being is unremarkable apparently; just ss happenstance. There is no “I would like to thank” ( anyone) from Huntsville for facilitating ( insert something)!! Doesn’t seem to be on Huntsville’s radar this hospital thing. Here it seems to be we will be happy with a really good first aid station as long as it isn’t portable and doesn’t take up parking spaces at River Mill Park.
No sign of our mayor or council, but maybe none feel they will still be with us, as council or otherwise, when somebody comes up with a decision. How many years hence?
The segment where our MPP says he wants MAHC to “Slow down and absorb what……..!!!!”. This ‘absorbing’ is glacial now sir. Slower would be approaching stasis. And the “Good faith” add on. Is that necessary ? Or is there another possibility?
Am still waiting to hear a grunt or see a nod, “good faith ” or otherwise , from Huntsville mayor or anyone. Any sign of life? Remember, some of us are aging out. Might need consideration.
Take time to absorb this comment. But maybe no a whole bunch.