Huntsville votes in favour of moving forward with the redevelopment hospital model
Huntsville Council voted in favour of moving forward with the redevelopment hospital model, in the July 22nd, 2024, meeting.
Huntsville Council voted in favour of moving forward with the redevelopment hospital model, in the July 22nd meeting.
The meeting had several deputations for and against Council maintaining their commitment to their Local Share.
The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee (SSMHC) requested that Council put a hold on their commitment in support of a more mutually agreed upon hospital model than the existing one that they believe isn’t supporting community concerns and needs, and in support of the District of Muskoka and Bracebridge recently putting conditions on their commitments.
The SSMHC quoted Bracebridge Mayor, Rick Maloney, concerns: “Hospital officials were putting energy and redevelopment dollars behind a model that is not supported in our community.”
SSMHC Chair, Bruce Kruger, indicated that he had a meeting with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) earlier on Monday and left with continued concerns about the lack of transparency of information. He said, “They will not give it to us.” He added that they also wouldn’t allow a reporter in the meeting.
SSMHC Vice-Chair, Tony Vanderstelt, advised that the physician’s proposal of their Care Close to Home initiative was also rejected “without a review, methodology or results.”
He added that there is still a lot of concern about doctor retention and recruitment, and that doctors will have to leave with the new model.
Councillor, Bob Stone, said, “I believe we leave it to the qualified professionals.” And he asked if the SSMHC have expertise in designing and building hospitals.
Kruger replied, “No more than Council members.” He emphasized that doctors are one of the groups they represent that have expressed their needs and concerns with the model.
Stone said, “Physicians are educated to become physicians, not design hospitals. Their information is anecdotal at best.”
Councillor, Helena Renwick, suggested to the SSMHC, “I hope that your organization has some medical training or understanding of development of hospitals.” She added that the current model will support the region and is “on the right track.”
“I believe that’s what the community will want us to do is to trust the experts,” added Renwick.
Councillor, Dione Schumacher, expressed concert about losing family doctors.
Councillor, Monty Clouthier, suggested the model is a good starting point. He said, “We have the basis to start a hospital with a flexible plan that’s going to work. We’re too close to have the same things going back and forth.”
Council members also expressed the importance of getting the government funding while it’s still available, with concerns that nothing is guaranteed.
Township of Armour Mayor, Rod Ward, and former Huntsville Mayors, Karen Terziano, Hugh MacKenzie, and Claude Doughty also attended the meeting in support of Council maintaining their commitment to the hospital model, and with moving forward to the future, versus holding onto past unsustainable models.
Huntsville doctors, Melanie Mar and Debra Harold also offered their support to the current MAHC model. They indicated that they represent a group of doctors that believe in leaving the development plan to industry experts.
With both doctors having 20 years experience, they indicated that the status quo isn’t working, and innovation is needed to meet the challenges of an overburdened system that has complex healthcare needs, and a growing population and lack of physicians to meet it.
Mar said, “We need to look outside the box regarding future needs.”
Alcock expressed appreciation to the doctors. She said that although Council reached out to another doctor that couldn’t make it, “we’re fortunate to get you two.” She added, “Listening to doctors talk about the model is so important…so informative. I feel really excited.”
During Council’s discussion, Councillor, Cory Clarke, said, “It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity we have.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to hold steadfast to their commitment so the model can be submitted for funding in November.
