MPP SMITH THANKS MAHC FOR ‘SLOWING DOWN’ AND HEARING WHAT DOCTORS, COMMUNITY WANT FOR HOSPITALS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — MPP Graydon Smith says he is “pleased” that MAHC and south Muskoka doctors are at least sitting down again to attempt to resolve their serious differences as a fall deadline for submitting a proposal supported by the full communities soon approaches.

In a statement yesterday, which comes the same day as another larger protest in Bracebridge took place, Smith continued his call for “MAHC to slow down and take the opportunity to absorb what the community had said.”

Green Party members marched on MPP Graydon Smith’s office yesterday, before heading down to a large rally in support of SMMH.

It reads:

“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.”

‘Beds, Not Beer,’ read this sign carried by one Green Party member in her march down Manitoba Street.
The war of words between opposing sides in the hospitals fight may appear light-hearted and amusing at times, but the reality is creeping up for Sonja Smith and others as the deadline approaches for submitting a MAHC proposal this fall.

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