MAHC MOVES OBSTETRICS FROM BRACEBRIDGE TO HUNTSVILLE FOR NEXT YEAR — CALLS IT ‘TEMPORARY’
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — For the next “year” all babies born in Muskoka will have their place of birth noted as Huntsville.
Effective immediately.
Citing “urgent staffing challenges and ensure patient safety,” MAHC tells MuskokaTODAY.com it is “temporarily” re-locating all services to Huntsville for 12 months pending reviews at six and nine months as they attempt to recruit doctors and nurses.
They say the goal is to “stabilize the staffing situation and explore long-term solutions to restore obstetrical services at SMMH as soon as possible.”
In addressing the future of obstetrics at South Muskoka, MAHC says it “remains committed to reinstating obstetrical services at SMMH in the future.”
It says “currently, approximately 4-5 deliveries per month are redirected to Huntsville.”
Most importantly, it says, this is a temporary measure to address urgent staffing challenges and ensure patient safety. The consolidation is planned for up to 12 months, with a formal reassessment in six and nine months. The goal is to stabilize the staffing situation and explore long-term solutions to restore obstetrical services at SMMH as soon as possible.
Immediately the news today spread faster than tariff changes as worst fears of hospital redevelopment opponents were realized.
After a protracted fight last year to save more hospital beds for moms and their families, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare board members opted for the changes.
“Terrible news for south Muskoka. Zero priority for women’s health and medical care, says the Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee.
“So much for MAHC’s commitment to southern Muskoka,” says Dan Waters. “Once again they’re proving they can’t be trusted. This Board has to go and a new board representing the area needs to be elected by we the people the same as we do for education.”
A Facebook post Tuesday said the announcement was made “at a meeting this morning with the obstetrics providers.”
The post went on: “Unsurprisingly, this was announced shortly after Graydon Smith won another seat in the provincial election, largely due to his purported “support” of our community and its hospital.
“What this means for members of our community is devastating. There will be bad outcomes for our pregnant community members who have obstetrical emergencies without available services at the hospital in Bracebridge. We should all, as a community, be deeply disturbed by this announcement and do everything in our power to fight this decision by a board who has proven yet again that they do not care one bit for the health of our most vulnerable community members.”
Ashley Umphrey–Odlaker, on the FB public group Bala/Port Carling/Mactier Connecting Communities wrote: “After all the hard work the community did to get the Obstetrics Unit to remain in Bracebridge for the new hospital, they are closing it anyways. Wish we had more doctors and nurses to fill the shortages and my heart goes out to all the expectant mothers who now have to go to Huntsville.”
Said Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini, online, “This is very sad news but not surprising at all. Unfortunately it is probably just the beginning. Our municipal mayor and councillors have done nothing to help Bracebridge get what it deserves as far as a new hospital for south Muskoka or retaining the services we have all become accustomed to expect. Our community will continue to suffer greatly at the loss of our healthcare services.”
What does is mean for moms, babes
MAHC provided MuskokaTODAY.com with the following statement for the public re: 15 questions and answers on the closure.
- What does this mean for pregnant mothers who planned to deliver at the South Muskoka site?
For patients, every person receiving prenatal care will have a clear plan and understanding of where to go with any labour concerns and for delivery. Pregnant mothers who initially planned to deliver at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) should present Huntsville District Memorial Hospital (HDMH) for labour and delivery services. Expecting patients will continue to receive prenatal and postnatal care where available in the community.
- What about prenatal and postpartum care?
All prenatal and postpartum care will still be accessed in the community where available. Patients will be provided with clear information about their care plan and any necessary adjustments.
- What does this mean for staff at the South Muskoka site?
The temporary consolidation will not result in job losses. Our care team will continue to work at the same physical location at SMMH, with the same shifts ensuring continuity in the workplace. Patients can continue to utilize available community prenatal and post-partum services.
- Is the consolidation to Huntsville permanent?
No, this is a temporary measure to address urgent staffing challenges and ensure patient safety. The consolidation is planned for up to 12 months, with a formal reassessment in six and nine months. The goal is to stabilize the staffing situation and explore long-term solutions to restore obstetrical services at SMMH as soon as possible.
- What does this mean for the future of the obstetrics program at South Muskoka through capital redevelopment?
MAHC remains committed to reinstating obstetrical services at SMMH in the future. The Capital Redevelopment submission includes plans for obstetrics services at both Bracebridge and Huntsville hospitals, ensuring that long-term solutions are in place to provide safe, sustainable care in Muskoka.
- What if an expecting mother goes into labour while at SMMH?
If a patient arrives at SMMH in labour, they will receive immediate assessment and safe transportation to an alternate facility. Emergency obstetric care will continue to be available at SMMH.
- Why was HDMH chosen over SMMH for the consolidation?
The decision to temporarily consolidate at HDMH was based on multiple factors, including staffing levels, referral patterns, and physician availability. HDMH has the necessary resources and expertise to safely manage the expected volume of deliveries.
- How are you ensuring patient safety during this transition?
Patient safety remains the top priority. The transition plan includes:
Enhanced staffing support at HDMH.
Detailed care plans for all expecting mothers.
Clear communication with patients and healthcare providers.
Emergency response protocols to handle urgent cases at SMMH.
- How will expecting mothers be notified about these changes?
Expecting mothers will be notified through:
Direct communication from their healthcare provider.
Hospital website and social media updates.
Informational materials are available in clinics and hospitals.
- What support is available for families impacted by this change?
MAHC is working to provide travel assistance information, community resources, and additional support options for families who may be affected by the transition.
- How many births are currently redirected to Huntsville?
Currently, approximately 4-5 deliveries per month are redirected to Huntsville.
- Are complicated cases often redirected?
Yes, any case that is classified as level 2 or higher is redirected to our partner at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), as we operate as a Level 1 facility.
- What does the usual patient journey look like with redirects?
Every time we initiate a redirect; expectant mothers who are due soon are contacted to inform them of the situation.
At the prenatal clinic, physicians inform patients about anticipated closures and advise them to plan for delivery at Huntsville.
If a patient arrives at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) unexpectedly, they are assessed, and there is a physician-to-physician handover to the safest site, typically via ambulance.
14: Have any options to stay open been explored, such as locum coverage?
We have explored locum coverage; however, we were unable to obtain additional locum staff due to low birth volumes and the novice skill set of our current nursing staff.
15: Who have you worked with and what partnerships have influenced this decision?
The team at MAHC has consulted extensively with nursing staff, physicians, department leads, the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) other hospitals in the area, Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health in making the determination to temporarily consolidate services to HDMH.
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