Capital Plan Development Task Force Update #12

The Capital Plan Development Task Force met on February 26, and held a public consultation meeting on March 1 to invite delegations to receive comments and ideas from the public regarding MAHC’s future planning. Approximately 140 people attended the meeting and 16 people from across the region presented their comments. The task force also received nearly 100 written submissions that are also being distributed to the MAHC Board of Directors.

During the March 1 meeting, it was evident to the task force that people are very passionate about future acute care planning. Some of the recurring themes heard from the various speakers included:

• Access to care, especially emergency care is important
• Two full service “status quo" acute care sites is the community’s preferred model
• There is a willingness to support renovation of existing facilities over a number of years versus a new build
• The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care needs to adequately fund MAHC operations
• Community hospitals have a unique role in promoting economic development and sustainable communities
• People, businesses and other health care agencies chose their physical whereabouts based on existing hospital locations

In response to questions raised during the meeting, a Q&A has been posted on the MAHC website to also correct statements that were made. The task force thanks everyone who provided feedback, and appreciates the public engagement both in person or by watching the YourTV footage virtually. The task force further noted cynicism and skepticism about the capital planning process and whether public input will be listened to. The task force is committed to a comprehensive review of data and analysis of the various options, and emphasizes the importance of public feedback and community support. Task force members will consider all public feedback received when evaluating the models and recommending a preferred model to the Board of Directors.

The next task force meeting is March 19, 2018.