Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare creates groups to review feedback on redevelopment plans

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has created five working groups to analyze and review the feedback it has received regarding its planned upgrade to its two hospitals.

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"We have carefully analyzed the feedback and data to ensure our approach effectively meets the healthcare needs of our community," said Cheryl Harrison, CEO of MAHC.

"Continued collaboration with our partners remains essential to refining and implementing these strategies successfully."

Harrison said MAHC has conducted stakeholder engagement sessions and consultations in recent months, involving physicians, its hospital foundations, community groups, community members, local and provincial political partners, and ministry officials.

MAHC has reviewed the feedback, which highlighted several critical issues, including transportation, recruitment and retention of healthcare staff, availability of services and beds, the need for community partnerships, and concerns surrounding rumours of closure and privatization.

To that end, MAHC has established several working groups to tackle specific areas of focus:

Bed Capacity Working Group: This group, comprised of MAHC physicians from North and South Muskoka, will be evaluating the current bed capacity and exploring strategies to optimize it. Their review will include the examination of the second version of a proposed model put forth by some South Muskoka physicians.

Transportation Working Group: Focused on improving access to healthcare services, this group addresses transportation challenges for patients and their loved ones. They are exploring solutions for both visiting patients and attending medical appointments, aiming to enhance transportation options and ensure convenience and accessibility for all community members.

Community Programming Working Group: This group will develop and expand community programming aimed at prevention, aftercare, and overall health improvement. By fostering partnerships with local organizations and municipalities, they are working to identify and create programs tailored to meet the needs of our community and promote better health outcomes.

"The formation of these working groups is an essential step in addressing the concerns raised by our stakeholders. We are confident that, through thorough review and collaboration, we will continue to provide high-quality care and make significant improvements to our healthcare system," said Chief of Staff Dr. Khaled Abdel-Razek

Also in development are a Communications Advisory Table, which provides informal advice and recommendations on MAHC's communication strategies and practices, and a CEO Advisory Table, which will provide input and feedback specifically related to MAHC's capital redevelopment initiatives.

In its press release, MAHC stated, "(It) is confident in the proposed plan to meet the region's healthcare needs. The involvement of community and municipal leaders in finalizing the details of the 1.3 submission, scheduled to be presented to the Ministry in November, ensures that our solutions are well-aligned with local healthcare needs."

Dave Uffelmann, board chairperson of MAHC said the board is committed to collaborating with all its community partners.

"Our goal is to build a robust healthcare system that effectively meets the needs of everyone in our region. We believe our proposed plan will greatly enhance the healthcare services available to our community."