Bracebridge commits to local funding share of hospital redevelopment plan

Bracebridge is putting its support behind the plan reshape health care in Muskoka.

On Tuesday, Town Council voted to rescind its condition on its local share of funding and to commit to at least $10 million for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) after an independent consultant review suggested the Town move ahead with approving the plan.

• Related | Bracebridge hires consultant amid growing concerns over MAHC’s hospital redevelopment plan

The review was launched by the Town after community and physician backlash to MAHC's initial plan that had the future Bracebridge hospital site built with a 36-bed capacity.

Last month, MAHC listened to the concerns of residents and physicians and allotted 10 new beds to Bracebridge.

According to the report produced by Medcura Health, prior to the addition of the 10 beds, the plan was still viable but would have left less room for growth, possible surge events and flexibility to meet evolving needs.

"The addition of 10 more beds provides a more robust local solution," it stated.

While it was recommended that Town Council proceed with its approval of the plan, some councillors were hesitant or openly in opposition of moving ahead.

Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney introduced an amended motion that gave councillors the option to re-review the plan, should any significant changes be made to it in the future.

"We see the 46-bed model as a model that we can move forward, consistent with what our doctors have said," said Maloney. "But we don't want to see anything less than that."

Councillors Barb McMurray and Archie Buie stated they would have voted against the motion had the mayor not introduced the amendment.

MAHC will submit its finalized stage 1.3 plan to the province next week.