Bracebridge Council agreed to hire a Health Care Consultant to review the new hospital share model, in the September 3, 2024, General meeting.

Last September they agreed to contribute $10 million, however, they had concerns about Muskoka Algonquin Health Care (MACH) changing the model and given the opposition of over 40 physicians in South Muskoka.

According to the staff report, “The physicians have expressed concerns about bed capacity, patient transportation, and long-term viability of the Bracebridge site, among various other issues.”

It adds that MACH will continue working on their submission, with consideration to the issues addressed, and send their plan to the Ministry of Health by this November demonstrating how they will raise the local share cost of $225 million dollars for the two new hospitals.

The report continues that on July 15^th Council made their commitment conditional that the final proposal be approved by the District Council at the October meeting or soon after. Since then, they decided that outside consultation is also necessary and agreed to hire Medcura Health Care for $10,000 +HST to review MACH’s proposed model.

Councillor, Don Smith, indicated that although he normally he doesn’t like to spend much money on consultation, it’s a small amount compared to the millions they’ll spend on the local share. He said, “It’s important that we get this right.”

Council members expressed appreciation for the opportunity for a thorough professional review of the submission that will help them make an informed decision about their commitment.

Councillor, Debbie Vernon, inquired about whether a break down of funds for the Town will be included in the review.

CAO, Stephen Rettie, advised that MACH indicated some information will be confidential due to Ministry guidelines, so the consultant “may be limited about what he has access too.”   

Regarding Council’s concern about the consultant having enough time for a full analysis, considering MACH is still working on the model and the submission date fast approaching, Rettie said Council can keep the condition included in the submission if needed.

Director of Public Works, Geoff Carleton, advised that the goal is a “robust all-around analysis of information he receives.” He added that the consultant can also make recommendations to Council.

Mayor, Rick Maloney, suggested if the review shows they need more information to make a commitment they don’t have to support MACH’s model submission. He added, “That’s not the end of the story. That’s just another phase.”

He added, “We want to make sure we have as much information as we need to make a recommendation or condition on our local share as we need.”