Hospitals recommendation weeks away
MUSKOKA — With a long-awaited recommendation on the future model of hospital in Muskoka expected by the end of July, the MAHC task force studying the complicated, controversial issue got down to the local economic impact at their latest July.
And while there were no dollar amounts cited, it appears the recent provincial election results loomed large.
While two thirds of hospital purchases are made outside Muskoka, an impact study finds going ahead that any of the three model options will have a huge effect locally with more jobs by 2031-32.
However, the most positive job outcomes would result from two acute-care sites, states the report, specifically in Bracebridge and Huntsville, where the hospital sites are located.
Less so in the surrounding Muskoka feeder communities catchment area where patients are also served.
The Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s Capital Plan Development Task Force met on July 4.
And, according to its regular community release #20, they reviewed the economic impact analysis, which “provided a high-level analysis” of the potential regional economic impact of each of the three proposed service delivery models.
It says the consultant’s study included six different methods and approaches.
Surprisingly, the task force heard that the lack of accessible historical economic development statistical data in Muskoka and East Parry Sound made the study challenging and more anecdotal.
Additional feedback from the municipalities and District of Muskoka was offered.
The analysis found that about 34% of hospital industry purchases in Muskoka are made within the region, while the majority of economic activity takes place outside Muskoka. The report says the analysis projected the impact of construction costs and jobs associated with each of the three models.
It also indicated that depending on the service delivery model ultimately selected, there could be notable positive and negative employment impacts on the local municipalities, but an overall increase in the number of jobs created in Muskoka in 2031-32.
The analysis concluded that each of the three delivery models would result in positive economic and employment impacts for the region as a whole, and the most positive results would be garnered from the Two Acute Sites model.
The Inpatient Site/Outpatient Site model and the One Site model would create uneven distribution of the workforce to the respective municipalities where these models are assigned.
Having received the economic impact analysis, task force members completed their evaluation of each model against the evaluation criteria and 500 pages of supporting research, data and studies.
The two members who represent the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN indicated as regional advisors they would not submit criteria evaluation results.
The remaining individuals’ confidential evaluations will be compiled and tallied by the consultants and presented at the next task force meeting for review and discussion.
The task force intends to come to a consensus on a preferred service delivery model recommendation by the end of July.
The next task force meeting is July 16, 2018.
Task force members:
Cameron Renwick (Chair)
Don Mitchell (Vice Chair)
Scott Aitchison
Dr. Sheena Branigan
Natalie Bubela
Charlane Cluett
Dr. Caroline Correia
Dr. Keith Cross
John Curran
Jan Davidson
Peter Deane
Donna Denny
Michael Duben
Harold Featherston
Dr. Graeme Gair
Dr. Biagio Iannantuono
Dr. Jennifer Macmillan
Dr. David Mathies
Philip Matthews
Cathy McMurray
Graydon Smith
Terry Shields
Eric Spinks
Cathy Still
Beth Ward
