Plans revealed for new Muskoka hospitals may have some patients driving farther
After months of planning, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) will be changing aspects of its services between the two planned new hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville.
"The way that these two hospitals operate today, we can't operate them in the future the same way," said Cheryl Harrison, MAHC president and CEO.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The differences will include obstetric services moving to Huntsville and a significant change to bed capacity.
Both hospitals will have ICUs and surgical centres; however, Bracebridge will have 14 inpatient beds while Huntsville will have 139.
"With this model of these two hospitals, we are expanding services -we're enhancing services, we are not losing any services between these two hospitals. However, it is different, absolutely," said Harrison.
Differences in offering care have generated mixed reactions from many physicians.
"It is a model that is different than what they are used to and two sides that complement each other to allow for more functional efficiency and more specialized care and higher quality care," said Dr. Khalid Abdel Razek, chief of staff, MAHC.
Dr. Scott Whynot, a physician for MAHC, says the new model will create barriers for expectant mothers and seniors.
"Pregnant mothers won't be able to get local prenatal care. They will have to travel for any sort of complication in pregnancy, and it's going to worsen outcomes and worsen patient care," said Whynot.
As for what's next, MAHC has scheduled community meetings with residents over the next two weeks to listen to the concerns and questions that residents may have.
MAHC relocated the Bracebridge community chat on Tues., Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. to the Bracebridge Sportsplex Auditorium at 110 Clearbrook Trail.
In the meantime, a decision on board approval is expected by April before a submission is made to the Ministry of Health.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.
Ontario MPP removed from PC caucus over 'serious lapses in judgment'
Premier Doug Ford has removed a member of his caucus due to what he’s describing as 'serious lapses in judgment.' In a statement released Friday morning, the premier’s office said MPP Goldie Ghamari had been removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus 'effective immediately.'
Is marriage harder than it was 10 years ago? Why one psychologist thinks so
Marriage might be the oldest institution in the world, but it's struggling to adapt to the pressures of modern life. Registered psychologist Adisa Azubuike explains why it's more difficult today.
BREAKING Judge approves $9.5-million settlement in Calgary Stampede sex abuse lawsuit
A judge has approved a $9.5-million settlement for complainants in a class action lawsuit that accused the Calgary Stampede of allowing a performance school staffer to sexually abuse young boys.
Sharks take forward Celebrini first overall at NHL draft
Macklin Celebrini is a member of the San Jose Sharks after the club selected the centre from Vancouver with the top pick at the 2024 NHL draft.
Multivitamins don't help you live longer, study suggests
Millions of people who take multivitamins everyday may not be reaping the perceived health benefits, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Five survivors from Sudbury, Ont., rescued in human trafficking investigation
Six people have been charged in a provincial human trafficking investigation that identified five survivors from Greater Sudbury.
Biden concedes debate fumbles but declares he will defend democracy. Dems stick by him ─ for now
U.S. President Joe Biden forcefully tried on Friday to quell Democratic anxieties over his unsteady showing in his debate with former President Donald Trump, as elected members of his party closed ranks around him in an effort to shut down talk of replacing him atop the ticket.
Human remains discovered at recycling facility in B.C.'s Lower Mainland
Workers discovered human remains at recycling facility in New Westminster, B.C., on Thursday, CTV News has learned.