Bracebridge General Committee received the final hospital redevelopment model from Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), in the November 5, 2024, meeting.

President and CEO of the MAHC board, Cheryl Harrison, said, “Quality care for all residents and visitors have driven the model.”

She added that they are changing their form of communication to smaller groups, which is “far more meaningful,” compared to larger groups.

She said the process has involved feedback from user groups, community members, and stakeholders.

The model includes 46 beds, level 2 ICU, Obstetrics, and Medical/Surgery for Bracebridge. Huntsville will have 121 beds, level 3 ICU, Obstetrics, Medical/Surgery, Stroke/Acute Rehabilitation, and Rehabilitation services.

The 10 new beds for Bracebridge will add to the flexibility that MAHC deems an important factor for the overall hospital services.

Harrison said that things can still change, “however we now have flexibility to accommodate that.”

She added that transportation is still an issue, especially for family members caring for patients. She said, “There’s still work to be done.’

MAHC Board member, Dave Uffelman, advised that the model is still based on data, however, the flexibility was missing.

For instance, the new beds for Bracebridge can help in other service areas as needed, such as with Obstetrics.

However, Alternative long-term care (ALC) remains an issue, and has been for 40 years across the province said Uffelman. So, MAHC’s goal is to support people that want to age at home, rather than institutionalization.

MAHC’s focus will be on services rather than the number of beds available, and they will be initiating a Community Engagement Plan in the New Year for a more proactive versus reactive approach to the model.

Councillor, Barb McMurray, expressed disappointment that the model was approved by the District of Muskoka before Bracebridge Council had a chance to approve or reject it.

Council also discussed the importance of ongoing open communication and transparency with the community moving forward to build trust and inclusiveness.

Councillor, Don Smith, said, “To gain that trust and to work with the community with communication must be paramount.” He added, “Hopefully you will share with us and the broader community.” He said this reflects how the Town’s gotten through the recent challenges they faced with the model, and the progress that can be made moving forward.

Uffelman said that MAHC will continue to interact with the community “listening, explaining, and answering questions as issues come up.”

He added that they expect questions and challenges from the Ministry as well. He said, “They’ll put us in the hot seat to make sure we can justify everything… I think we have strong arguments.”

MAHC anticipates submitting the model to the Ministry of Health in approximately a week.