MPP SMITH ‘URGES MORE TIME’ FOR HOSPITAL TALKS; ‘CONFIDENT OF MORE BALANCED, EQUITABLE PLAN’

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — MPP Graydon Smith, who originally said he would address the public after all hospital meetings — but who instead addressed an angry hometown crowd in Bracebridge Tuesday night — released a formal statement this afternoon in which he reiterated what he said three days ago.

Today he put that in writing in a “Statement Regarding MAHC’s Hospital Redevelopment Plan.”

“Both towns are deserving of two new hospitals. I am confident that a more balanced and equitable plan can be achieved,” he said below.

Up against the wall Tuesday, MPP Graydon Smith addressed an angry crowd in his hometown of Bracebridge, urging a time out and reminding Muskokans how fortunate they are with an opportunity for not one but two new hospitals to be built.

TO BETTER UNDERSTAND PROPOSAL AND IMPACT

“Since the release of Muskoka Algonquin Hospital Corporation’s (MAHC) hospital redevelopment plan approximately 10 days ago I, like many residents of Muskoka and Almaguin, have attended the Hospital Board’s information sessions and engaged with community members, including physicians and nurses, to better understand what is being proposed and how it would impact acute care in our communities.

I personally attended the community information sessions in Bracebridge, Huntsville and Burk’s Falls.

When ministerial responsibilities took me to Thunder Bay early last week, I had staff attend the sessions in Gravenhurst and Dwight. My office was also present at the virtual session and in Port Carling this week.

I have fielded a huge number of calls and emails from those who wished to share their thoughts. To all that attended or reached out, thank you.

When I spoke on Tuesday night in Bracebridge, I urged everyone to slow down and take more time. Time to draw a breath and reflect on what has been said about the plan and why. I am pleased the Board has revised their approach to do just that.

For those who fear we will lose our place in “the queue” for redevelopment, I have and will continue to work with my colleagues at Queen’s Park on your behalf to give the community the time that is needed to get to the right solution.

We have been presented with a historic and unprecedented commitment by the Government and Premier to redevelop the two hospital sites in both Bracebridge and Huntsville.

It is our collective expectation that this happens.

Both towns are deserving of two new hospitals. I am confident that a more balanced and equitable plan can be achieved.

This process must be centered on engaging with the community and having meaningful dialogue with doctors and nurses to develop a new plan that is satisfactory for all.

In the meantime, I will be working tirelessly on your behalf to ensure the development of not only two great new hospitals, but a strong Parry Sound-Muskoka we can all be proud of.”

MPP Graydon Smith

Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

***

$3.1 BILLION FEDERAL HEALTH CARE DEAL FOR ONTARIO

This today as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and and Premier Doug Ford are expected to announce they’ve finalized a governments deal for Ontario to receive $3.1 billion in more money to improve health care plans.

No mention of whether any of that money would be earmarked for capital projects like hospitals, which many in Muskoka would like to see more spent specifically on the two new hospitals proposed here.

The MNR minister speaks to MAHC board members and staff after Tuesday’s meeting.
Smith talks to a couple of attendees Tuesday, including Al Clark, right, who tried and failed to get his message through about seeing more LTC homes built in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville, to accomodate the 30 per cent of patients in hospital who he says if were moved to new homes would make room for more acute care patient beds.

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