Dr. Scott Whynot, a physician based in Bracebridge, is expressing optimism after a recent meeting with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC).
“I have concerns about whether the planned bed numbers will meet our future demands, though I’m pleased with the recent collaborative efforts with MAHC, led by local municipal officials, and I’m hopeful to see further positive developments in redevelopment planning as we work together to design the best healthcare for our community,” he says.
In April, MAHC agreed to rework its “Made-in-Muskoka healthcare system” proposal to move some of the beds allocated for the future Huntsville District Memorial Hospital to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge.
A joint media release from the Town of Bracebridge and MAHC outlines how Whynot was part of a meeting with MAHC, municipal officials from Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes and the District of Muskoka, as well as “a group of South Muskoka physicians” on June 18.
The release says the meeting focused on “critical topics such as quality patient care, transportation, recruitment and retention of physicians and staff, and the number of services and beds planned for both the Huntsville and Bracebridge facilities, marked a meaningful step forward in collaboration.”
Dave Uffelmann, who is set to take over as board chair for MAHC, was part of the meeting and admits while there is more work to be done, he’s glad they’re working towards meeting the “mutual goals and objectives of both healthcare leadership and physicians.”
“I am hearing that we are not that far apart in our thinking on this plan and that we are all interested in providing the highest quality care possible for people in our community,” he continues.
Mayor of Bracebridge Rick Maloney and District Chair Jeff Lehman were also part of the meeting.
According to the media release, they, along with the other municipal officials around the table, “expressed their support in working with the provincial government and everyone involved, reinforcing the commitment to addressing community healthcare challenges in Muskoka.”
“I am encouraged by the discussion between MAHC and our local physicians today,” adds Maloney. “This level of collaboration is vital for ensuring that our hospital redevelopment meets the needs of all residents across our region. It is an important step in rebuilding trust between all the partners.”
Maloney has urged MAHC to take the time necessary to make sure the plan works for all of Muskoka, including during an interview with the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom in Feb. 2024.
It outlines how the future hospital in Bracebridge will see a “substantial increase in services,” with annual visits projected to double from 60,000 currently to over 140,000 at the new facility.
Cheryl Harrison, president and chief executive officer for MAHC, explains how a community-based approach will be used in tandem with specialized surgical services to minimize unnecessary hospital bed usage.
“This week’s meeting with South Muskoka physicians and local officials marked a positive step forward in our collaborative efforts to advance the capital redevelopment plan for our regional hospitals in Muskoka,” says Harrison. “We’re focused on enhancing patient care, addressing transportation needs, and ensuring the recruitment and retention of top-tier medical professionals and staff. This partnership is crucial as we expand services across Huntsville and Bracebridge to meet our community’s evolving healthcare needs.”