Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) announced changes to its proposed hospital redevelopment plan Monday evening.
There will be 36 inpatient beds at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge, including four beds designated for its intensive care unit as part of MAHC’s “Made-in-Muskoka healthcare system” proposal.
As part of those 36 beds, there will be one obstetrical labour and delivery room with the possibility to use an additional medical or surgical room in an emergency to support the childbirth program.
Previously, MAHC’s plan allocated 18 inpatient care beds and no childbirth services to the hospital in Bracebridge while the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital was afforded 139 beds and full obstetrical servicing.
Chuck Wertheimer, senior principal with Resource Planning Consultants, has been involved with the hospital redevelopment project for nearly a decade.
“After thorough analysis and engagement, it’s clear that the newly revised plan represents the maximum possible adjustments within the constraints we face,” he says. “Any further shifts would render the model unsustainable and jeopardize the project’s viability, given the fiscal realities and Ministry guidelines.”
Cheryl Harrison, president and chief executive officer for MAHC, says now senior management will continue working with physicians and work towards getting feedback from people outside the hospital’s walls.
“We are heartened by the outcomes of our collaborative discussions and are now focusing on working with our internal healthcare teams to determine what supports are needed to optimize the new configuration,” says Harrison. “Today’s outcome sets the stage for subsequent discussions with our partners and the communities we serve, ensuring that our final model truly reflects the care expectations and needs of our region.”