The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee has issued a letter clarifying its stance following the recent announcement of 10 additional beds at the future South Muskoka hospital site. While the committee welcomes the increase to 46 acute care beds, they emphasize ongoing concerns about accountability, transparency, and community consultation in the hospital redevelopment plans.

The committee expressed disappointment that the Made in Muskoka model will result in nearly one-third fewer beds than currently available, despite a growing population. Local Chambers of Commerce have also opposed this model, advocating for a minimum of 60 beds as proposed in the Care Close to Home V2 model.

The committee is urging the Muskoka District Council to attach conditions to local funding contributions to ensure public oversight in the redevelopment process.

Earlier this month, the MAHC reported that they were going ahead with its submission to the Ministry of Health after adding 10 more beds to the Bracebridge build, with the support of 45 local physicians, who had earlier voiced their concerns.