MAHC SAYS HOSPITALS DEADLINE DECEMBER, MORE PUBLIC TALKS PLANNED, DOCTORS’ OPTION BEING COSTED OUT
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — Final new hospital plans won’t be submitted until the end of the year, more smaller public consultations are planned and a doctors’ alternative ‘Care Closer to Home’ model is being costed out by consultants.
That’s this week’s MAHC update Friday on a publicly contentious redevelopment proposal for South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare says in Update #2 that meetings continue with “many of our key stakeholders, including our physicians, nurses, unions, patient and family advisory committee (PFAC), Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team (MAOHT) and the Almaguin Health Council.”
They say they are “committed to real conversations to build understanding and make adjustments as needed.”
MAHC president and CEO Cheryl Harrison, says she is “pleased with the outcome of the meetings.
“These have been meaningful and productive conversations. We’ve received valuable insight and input, and it’s given us a chance to answer questions, alleviate concerns, and continue to refine and clarify details about the proposed model.”
The release says the next steps in the consultation and engagement include further consultation in the coming weeks with:
- Muskoka and area mayors
- physicians
- MAHC staff and volunteers
- community groups
- broad online and in-person community engagement
They say that after a recent engagement with the Credentialed Staff Association meeting on February 20 they received the proposal of a group of South Muskoka physicians regarding the redevelopment of the two sites.
“Our consultants are currently costing out the model, and our internal team is assessing the operational sustainability of the approach,” the release says.
“The outcome of this costing and review will form part of the conversation at the upcoming physician engagement meeting at the end of March.
“We continue to adjust our plans based on input from physicians and others and continue to look at ways to refine and improve the model,” MAHC said Friday March 8,
Community Engagement Plans
Following wide initial critical interest, more smaller community engagement sessions are planned, which will include small working groups focused on “generative discussion.”
MAHC will share details about these sessions by the end of March.
They say their “goal is to submit a final proposed model by the end of 2024, which would keep the project on schedule to start construction in 2029.”
MAHC promises weekly updates and community members can sign up at www.mahc.ca/stayinformed.
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