MUSKOKA — Immediate reaction seems positive.
Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison and Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith issued a joint statement following the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare board’s endorsement of the MAHC capital plan development task force’s recommendation for two acute-care hospitals for the region’s future on Aug. 10.
The mayors applauded the board’s endorsement and argued the two-acute-hospital model “supports the continued delivery of a full range of emergency, in-patient and surgical services at both the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.”
The towns of Bracebridge and Huntsville, stated the release, had advocated for the continued delivery of acute care services based on a two-site model.
“The maintenance of acute care services is vital to the long-term sustainability of both Bracebridge and Huntsville and is crucial for the provision of adequate health care services for the residents and visitors in Muskoka,” said Smith in the release. “We are pleased that the MAHC board has responded to municipal input and we look forward to supporting the board’s decision when it is brought forward to the NSM-LHIN and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.”
“Huntsville, Bracebridge and the other municipalities in Muskoka and east Parry Sound have shown real leadership in addressing hospital planning issues for this region,” said Aitchison in the release. “We are pleased that the concerns expressed by the municipalities have been recognized and that the MAHC board has endorsed a model that addresses local concerns.”
The mayors added they hoped to meet with the minister of health and long-term care at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in August to continue advocacy efforts on behalf of the people of Muskoka and east Parry Sound.
Alison Brownlee is a reporter with Muskokaregion.com She can be reached at abrownlee@metrolandnorthmedia.com