MAHC redevelopment sees major increase in beds for Bracebridge hospital

Significant progress has been made in the plans to redevelop hospitals in Muskoka.

MPP Graydon Smith announced on Monday that he is backing a recent change by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) that would allocate 46 acute care beds at the Bracebridge hospital, a significant increase from the initial plan of 14 beds.

"This is a tremendously positive development," Smith stated.

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The MPP has been one of the voices consistently advocating for a more balanced approach to health care services in the region.

"Over the past many months, I have done everything I could to facilitate discussion, find common ground and, ultimately, agreement, on the need to reconsider the bed allocation at the South Muskoka hospital site," Smith noted.

The initial plans raised concerns about splitting certain medical services between Huntsville and Bracebridge, which many felt wouldn't adequately serve the area's residents.

With this new proposal, the Bracebridge site is expected to become a full-service, acute-care hospital.

Smith said the changes have also received the support of 45 doctors from the southern part of Muskoka.

Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney also welcomed the news.

"This is encouraging news and a direct result of several months of collaborative efforts by the Town, local doctors, and members of the community. I wish to acknowledge the leadership of MPP Graydon Smith. His ongoing effort has been instrumental in protecting the future of healthcare in our community," Maloney said.

The new plan is set to be presented to MAHC's Board of Directors at a meeting this week.

"I am hopeful the board will endorse this recommendation at their meeting this Thursday," the mayor concluded.