News

Our everyday lives have changed dramatically with the COVID-19 global pandemic and the same is true for hospital operations. 

Through partnerships and technology, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has introduced virtual critical care that will enable more critically-ill patients to stay in Muskoka hospitals for the intensive care they need, close to their family and friends.

As Chair of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s Board of Directors, I am so impressed and humbled by the efforts of our health care teams in combatting COVID-19. During this crisis, the Board has been kept up to date on the pandemic preparations and status at the hospitals and has moved to virtual meetings like so many of you.

To ensure patients, staff and physicians are kept safe, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has put visitor restrictions in place during this uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since my first COVID-19 blog on March 25, I’m pleased to share another update with our communities from Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. In the past week and a half, our emergency planning has continued to evolve to a greater level of preparedness for an influx of patients from COVID-19.

This has been a difficult, unprecedented and extraordinary time for everyone. I would like to express my confidence in all members of the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) team and share my utmost gratitude to all of our staff and physicians for their dedication to hospital care for our communities. We assure our communities that both hospital sites have measures in place to protect the health of our patients, staff and physicians

As we manage the COVID-19 pandemic, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is in need of donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies.

In an effort to keep staff and physicians safe, contain community transmission of COVID-19, and preserve critical resources for when they are most needed, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is making further temporary changes to hospital operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With an abundance of caution, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) will begin restricting non-essential visitors to both hospitals commencing Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

“We are limiting visitors to ensure we protect our patients, staff, physicians and volunteers,” says Terry Shields, Chief Financial Officer and acting CEO. 

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global COVID-19 pandemic. This means that this novel coronavirus has spread across the world. When people come together, the risk of infection with COVID-19 increases. For this reason, we are limiting who can come into Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s (MAHC) hospital buildings until further notice.