SECOND MAHC MEETING IN BRACEBRIDGE MONDAY, FEB. 12, OPENS DOORS TO 650 MORE SPEAKERS ON TWO-HOSPITAL MODEL; LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE FOR 500 MORE ON ZOOM

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — After hundreds of the public here were locked out of an overflow meeting last week on a new Muskoka hospitals model, a second opportunity to talk about the plan will take place Monday.

With capacity for 650 more to speak — double the number allowed last week.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) said in a release Friday afternoon that it has quickly organized a second the second meeting February 12, 2024 regarding the hospital redevelopment proposal.

The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the cafeteria of Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School (BMLSS), located at 110 Clearbrook Trail.

The cafeteria’s fire code capacity for 650 people seated will be followed.

Crowds left on the outside last Tuesday will get another chance to have their say Monday on how the hospitals in Huntsville and south Muskoka will be built and operated after being unable to get in to the Sportsplex. Space for twice the number will be made in the high school cafeteria at 6 p.m.

It will be next door the community centre Sportsplex hall that was filled with just over 300 people Feb. 6.

Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Thos attending can enter from the west school/theatre end of the building, where they will be asked to sign in.

They say that following a presentation, questions will be taken and structured to take as many questions as possible by encouraging a two-minute time limit on questions. Ideas, suggestions and productive solutions-focused dialogue are encouraged.

A virtual Zoom live stream is also available to watch the meeting remotely as a view only. Registration through Zoom is required to receive the link directly from Zoom by registering at:  https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FnCcTZvqQDm5-NWz-asd4Q.

The registration is available to 500 participants. After registering, a confirmation email directly from Zoom will be sent to the email address you provided containing information about joining the webinar. Please note logistically, it will not be possible to take questions from those viewing the Zoom feed. Details further available at www.mahc.ca/communitychats

This follows six other in-person meetings, and two other online Zoom meetings, the past two weeks.

Out in the cold, but not out of the picture, protesters talked about the proposal in small groups.
Disappointed, many people stood outside the Sportplex and mingled waiting for seats or sounds to open.

MAHC added earlier Friday that it is also “releasing an important statement to reinforce its commitment to further consideration of the hospital redevelopment proposal.”

A statement says: The Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare team understands the importance of carefully considered hospital redevelopment plans, not only to our communities but also to our healthcare team. Consultation on a proposed model is an essential step in our journey toward defining a future model of care across two new hospitals that enhances quality of care for everyone and is sustainable and affordable.

“There has been substantial feedback shared through eight community engagements attended by nearly 2,000 people in person or virtually, on various social media platforms, and direct emails to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare.

“All feedback is valued and appreciated and is being listened to, including the advocacy and feedback provided by community leaders such as Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith and local mayors.

“The team is committed to taking the time necessary to explore input and changes to a future model of care to develop the right solution for all communities served by the hospitals, which ensures enhanced quality care, sustainability and affordability.”

Inside the numbers swelled to more than 300 looking for a reversal of the proposal if not an equal share of beds.

MAHC says consultation is continuing with discussions scheduled later this month with the medical staff that belong to the Credentialed Staff Association.

MAHC’s Capital Redevelopment Project Team “is committed to continued engagement with all stakeholders — hospital staff, physicians and midwives, volunteers healthcare partners and the community at large — over the next several months.”

  •  Meanwhile the story is gaining wide traction with more mainstream media coverage, including a CBC report Friday at 6:15 and 11 p.m., if anyne needs more information, comment or context.
Dr. Joe Gleason snaps a selfie with nurses, after the meeting, who say they aren’t being treated equally with the division of services.
MAHC CEO and president Cheryl Harrison will take another opportunity to defend its decision, which riled most of last week’s crowd.
Former MPP Dan Waters had frozen fingers signing up almost 500 people to his petition agains the project. He no doubt will be back Monday with warmer gloves.

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