Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team (MAOHT) has a new Executive Lead to tackle what it calls the Alternate Level of Care (ALC) crisis in the region.
Officials say Natalie Bubela, an experienced healthcare professional and former CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), joined the organization to guide MAOHT’s efforts to develop a “comprehensive, community-focused ALC strategy.”
“Approximately 30 per cent of hospital patients in Muskoka are classified as ALC, which means they no longer require acute hospital care but cannot be discharged due to a variety of reasons such as a lack of appropriate housing, community-based supports, or socio-economic resources,” officials say.
Officials add, as Executive Lead, Bubela will lead the development of short-term and long-term strategies to address the ALC challenge, working closely with community partners to ensure sustainable care options for patients.
“This includes engaging with home and community-based support providers to co-create sustainable care options that enable individuals to remain in comfortable, safe settings, close to family and friends,” share officials.
Jeff Lehman, Chair of the District of Muskoka, says the need for additional ALC capacity is urgent, and it’s something they all recognize, from healthcare leaders to community groups.
“The strain on our hospitals is compounded by the shortage of affordable long-term care and housing options, leaving patients in hospital beds while they await appropriate care. This challenge has become particularly severe in Muskoka. I’m confident that, under Natalie’s leadership, we can make significant progress in expanding ALC capacity, easing the burden on hospitals, and ensuring patients receive the care they need in the right environment,” says Lehman.
For more information about the ALC strategy, click here.
