July 13, 2026

SURGICAL SERVICES BACK OPERATING AT SOUTH MUSKOKA HOSPITAL AFTER ALMOST TWO-WEEK MECHANICAL DISRUPTION

MUSKOKA — Surgical services have fully resumed at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and patients can once again access scheduled surgical care at the south Muskoka site in Bracebridge.

The resumption follows an almost two-week down period after Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare had announced on Wednesday July 1 that those services and CT scans were being temporarily moved to Huntsville District Memorial Hospital due mechanical trouble with a chiller unit serving both areas.

CT services quickly resumed Friday July 3.

And now, Monday July 13, following the successful repair and testing of the hospital’s chiller system serving the operating room area, elective and emergency surgical procedures have resumed at the SMMH site.

MAHC says it extends its sincere gratitude to patients and families for their patience and understanding throughout this temporary interruption. Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare also recognizes the extraordinary efforts of staff, physicians, leaders, and regional healthcare partners who worked collaboratively to ensure continuity of care and a swift return to normal operations.

“This rapid restoration of surgical services is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and commitment of everyone involved,” said Cheryl Harrison, president and CEO. “We are incredibly proud of our clinical teams, physicians, facilities staff, support services teams, and healthcare partners who came together to minimize disruption for patients and safely restore services as quickly as possible.”

During the disruption, surgical services were relocated to HDMH to ensure patients continued to receive timely surgical care. MAHC said it acknowledges the flexibility and cooperation demonstrated across both hospital sites and by regional partners who supported this transition.

“This outcome would not have been possible without the remarkable collaboration of teams across our organization,” added Harrison. “We are grateful to everyone who played a role in supporting patients, adapting schedules, coordinating services, completing repairs, and ensuring a seamless return to normal operations.”

“With surgical services fully resumed at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, patients can once again access scheduled surgical care at the Bracebridge site.”