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On February 6, the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce signed a joint letter to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) CEO and board in partnership with the Muskoka Lakes and Gravenhurst Chambers of Commerce. In this letter we have requested an opportunity to meet and discuss questions and concerns we have heard from our members.
The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce believes the proposed changes to the delivery model for hospital services in Muskoka will have a significant impact on the current and future vitality of our region.
We have taken the time to hear from MAHC senior leadership, doctors, nurses and medical professionals within our community and believe the reduction of inpatient beds and obstetrics care at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital will reduce our capacity to recruit and retain medical staff, including by directly impacting the community’s Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) program recruitment efforts. The NOSM program imports new medical talent to the region and gives us an opportunity to show why Muskoka is a great place to work. Impacts to this program will be a step in the wrong direction.
We understand the difficulties presented with building new hospitals in Muskoka, but not supplying adequate services for growth in North and South Muskoka will result in a negative generational impact on our region. The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce remains committed to having open dialogue with MAHC and advocating for the needs of our members. Please see below to read the joint letter to MAHC and a link the press releases on the proposed new model.
MAHC Press Releases:
See below for the joint letter to MAHC highlighting concerns and questions around recruitment, out-of-workplace time, capacity at both hospitals, collaboration, specific services and risk management. At the time of posting MAHC has acknowledged our request to meet and we look forward to the opportunity.
