LET’S BE CLEAR: 46 BEDS AT SMMH STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH, SAY SSMHC SUPPORTERS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — MAHC may be done with its hospital proposal.
But at least one group concerned with the board’s plan to proceed to the next stage of construction with the province isn’t.
The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee (SSMHC) released a lengthy statement Friday noting it is “writing to clarify its position.”
This after it along with separately doctors and governments appeared to pen their tacit approval after a winter of discontent.
“This position update is warranted given the sudden events that transpired last week with the announcement of 10 additional beds at the future South Muskoka site,” says the community volunteer organization.
“While the SSMHC is encouraged by and supportive of the increase in beds, there remain ongoing, urgent and significant issues concerning the hospital redevelopment plans.”
They cite accountability, transparency and proper community consultation remain outstanding.
“Although an increase to 46 acute care beds is a significant improvement, it still does not meet the expectations of the community. We have been waiting for over eight months for material questions to be answered with transparency, such as, the choice of site, transportation issues, ALC service enhancement and the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals as key elements of the hospital redevelopment.
“Until these legitimate concerns are satisfactorily addressed, there remains significant opposition in south Muskoka to (MAHC’s) Made in Muskoka model.”
The release notes that last week while support was shown by others closely involved, the chambers of commerce of both Gravenhurst and Muskoka Lakes issued resolutions opposing the model and supporting a minimum 60-bed hospital for South Muskoka as set out in the Care Close to Home V2 model.
Noting that in November Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare expect to submit its proposal to the Ministry of Health as part of the Stage 1.3 capital redevelopment, “we are disappointed that MAHC intends to proceed without clear community support.
“However, we believe that at the provincial level, there remain opportunities for public concerns to be registered and for important revisions and enhancements to be included in the hospital redevelopment plans.
“It is critical to note that previously, in October 2023, MAHC presented to the District of Muskoka council that additional beds over the existing 67 bed count would be included at the future south Muskoka site. Instead, now South Muskoka Memorial Hospital will have nearly a third fewer beds than it does today, without accounting for the current daily over capacity situation, and while the population of south Muskoka will increase by thousands more by the time these hospitals are built.”
SSMHG goes on.
They claim the latest changes were made by MAHC without notice to the district or the community. We would encourage MAHC to pause with the submission of the plan to the province until such time as the report facilitated by the district chair, Jeff Lehman, to the District of Muskoka council has been received.
“There must be time for thoughtful reflection and consultation with the community. There remains an opportunity at the district level to ensure its local funding contribution of $77 million is not advanced until appropriate safeguards concerning the future of South Muskoka hospital are included.”
SSMG says it is critical that the District of Muskoka adopt conditions to be attached to the local share contribution so as to ensure that the hospital redevelopment process remains subject to public oversight.
“For instance, it says ….”
Niagara Region developed a policy to ensure that hospital local share contributions from the ratepayers of that municipality is measured against five parameters:
- Fairness and equity across the local municipalities;
- Financial certainty and predictability for annual and long-term capital and operating budgets at the municipality;
- Demonstrated benefit for all residents;
- Alignment with regional goals and priorities; and
- Municipal contribution as part of a larger community-wide effort.
“At best, it is unclear that key conditions such as these are satisfactorily addressed by the Made in Muskoka model.
“It remains the concern of the SSMHC that if South Muskoka will not have an equitable, full-service, acute care hospital in the future, that this result will have a lasting negative impact on the ability of south Muskoka to attract business, new residents and healthcare professionals and, in turn, negatively impact real estate demand and values in our community.
“The SSMHC remains committed to the Care Close to Home V2 Model. This model calls for 60 acute care beds along with increased ALC capacity in our community. This model supports an equitable, two-site hospital which respects the realities of life in Muskoka while addressing the critical healthcare principles that will effectively support hospital care for all of Muskoka into the future.
“We will continue to strongly and respectfully advocate at the local and provincial levels for an equitable long-term solution on behalf of south Muskoka and for our healthcare professionals.”
SSMHC asks residents to email the premier Doug Ford directly with their concerns.
“We continue to appreciate the hard work and support of our elected officials, volunteers and the community on this important cause.”
A list of contacts can be found here: https://ssmh.ca/government-and-mahc[1]contacts/
Or contact SSMHC vis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559377176594
And at their website: www.ssmh.ca o Email: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected]
30 years of TRUSTED ‘Local Online Journalism’
SINCE MAY 20, 1994
Twitter: @muskokatoday, Facebook: mclairmont1
SUBSCRIBE for $30 by e-transferring to [email protected]
Mail cheque to MuskokaTODAY.com Box 34 Gravenhurst, Ont. P1P 1T5
And include your email address to get stories sent to your inbox
