HOSPITAL STANDOFF MAY FINALLY END WITH 46 ACUTE CARE BEDS AT SMMH — IF BOARD ADDS 10 MORE THURSDAY — SAY SOUTH MUSKOKA DOCTORS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — A recommendation to the MAHC board Thursday for 10 more acute beds at SMMH (= 46) is encouraging to south Muskoka doctors and their supporters — and looks to be the end of a long fight.
The hospitals’ Capital Redevelopment Committee recently passed that motion on to the board to amend their, which will be considered by the board at their Oct. 10.
That would be an additional 32 hard-fought-for beds. That would still leave Huntsville District Memorial Hospital with almost 100.
In a letter of response this morning going in to the meeting, the physicians say: “While this proposed revision does not completely meet the expectations that were outlined in the Care Close to Home model, we are encouraged by this significant improvement,” writes Dr. Scott Whynot on behalf of doctors seeking more equity.
He added that they are also “thankful for the strong community advocacy that has taken place by the public and the support of our local politicians.
“Specifically, we recognize that our MPP Graydon Smith has been working hard behind the scenes to support and protect healthcare in our community.”
Whynott’s letter continues: “Should the board approve this revision, it is our opinion that 46 acute care beds will be able to service the basic acute care needs for South Muskoka, especially if there are options for expansion should our future needs change. We are further encouraged by the involvement of the District of Muskoka in helping find local, non-hospital solutions for our ALC (alternative level of care) patients.
“This multi-faceted approach will help to create efficient and effective health care for our community.
When the hospital redevelopment proposal was made public in January, only 14 acute care beds were planned for the Bracebridge site. It is only through the several months of advocacy by our community, municipal politicians, and MPP Smith that we are now up to 46 acute care beds.
Whynot goes on saying: “This revised plan is much more viable for the long-term sustainability of our local acute care hospital. MPP Smith has been a strong presence to this point, and we are confident that he will continue to advocate for Muskoka at a provincial level as redevelopment planning continues onto the next stages.
“We thank the public for their ongoing support, and hope that the board of directors will pass this recommendation Oct. 10.
See list of doctors below … ** who co-signed the letter.
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** Dr. Kent Phillips Dr. Keith Moran Dr. Tom Irvine
Dr. Graeme Gair Dr. David McGregor Dr. Paulette Burns Dr. Terry Holman
Dr. James Moran Dr. Terry Bridle Dr. Kim Forester Dr. Ardyn Todd
Dr. Shane Williams Dr. Florian Kirstein Dr. Courtney Potts Dr. Chris Richardson
Dr. John Rhee Dr. Cole Krensky Dr. Jessica Reid Dr. William Caughey
Dr. Alex Webb Dr. Kersti Kents Dr. Bharti Mittal Dr. Tony Drohomyrecky
Dr. Sandi Adamson Dr. Timea Maxim Dr. Rohit Gupta Dr. Michael Mason
Dr. William Hemens Dr. Victoria Dawson Dr. Kristen Jones Dr. Luke Wu
Dr. Martin O’Shaughnessy Dr. Jessica Nairn Dr. Vicki Dechert
Dr Ken Hotson Dr. Jennifer Hammell Dr. Stephen Rix Dr. Christopher LaJeunessse
Dr. Jeff Pitcher Dr. Tina Kappos Dr. Joe Gleeson Dr. Rand Simpson
Dr. Faizal Bawa Dr. Keith Cross
