1. What does this mean for pregnant mothers who planned to deliver at the South Muskoka site?
For patients, every person receiving prenatal care will have a clear plan and understanding of where to go with any labour concerns and for delivery. Pregnant mothers who initially planned to deliver at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) should present Huntsville District Memorial Hospital (HDMH) for labour and delivery services. Expecting patients will continue to receive prenatal and postnatal care where available in the community.
2. What about prenatal and postpartum care?
All prenatal and postpartum care will still be accessed in the community where available. Patients will be provided with clear information about their care plan and any necessary adjustments.
3. What does this mean for staff at the South Muskoka site?
The temporary consolidation will not result in job losses. Our care team will continue to work at the same physical location at SMMH, with the same shifts ensuring continuity in the workplace. Patients can continue to utilize available community prenatal and post-partum services.
4. Is the consolidation to Huntsville permanent?
No, this is a temporary measure to address urgent staffing challenges and ensure patient safety. The consolidation is planned for up to 12 months, with a formal reassessment in six and nine months. The goal is to stabilize the staffing situation and explore long-term solutions to restore obstetrical services at SMMH as soon as possible.
5. What does this mean for the future of the obstetrics program at South Muskoka through capital redevelopment?
MAHC remains committed to reinstating obstetrical services at SMMH in the future. The Capital Redevelopment submission includes plans for obstetrics services at both Bracebridge and Huntsville hospitals, ensuring that long-term solutions are in place to provide safe, sustainable care in Muskoka.
6. What if an expecting mother goes into labour while at SMMH?
If a patient arrives at SMMH in labour, they will receive immediate assessment and safe transportation to an alternate facility. Emergency obstetric care will continue to be available at SMMH.
7. Why was HDMH chosen over SMMH for the consolidation?
The decision to temporarily consolidate at HDMH was based on multiple factors, including staffing levels, referral patterns, and physician availability. HDMH has the necessary resources and expertise to safely manage the expected volume of deliveries.
8. How are you ensuring patient safety during this transition?
Patient safety remains the top priority. The transition plan includes:
- Enhanced staffing support at HDMH.
- Detailed care plans for all expecting mothers.
- Clear communication with patients and healthcare providers.
- Emergency response protocols to handle urgent cases at SMMH.
9. How will expecting mothers be notified about these changes?
Expecting mothers will be notified through:
- Direct communication from their healthcare provider.
- Hospital website and social media updates.
- Informational materials are available in clinics and hospitals.
10. What support is available for families impacted by this change?
MAHC is working to provide travel assistance information, community resources, and additional support options for families who may be affected by the transition.
11. How many births are currently redirected to Huntsville?
Currently, approximately 4-5 deliveries per month are redirected to Huntsville.
12. Are complicated cases often redirected?
Yes, any case that is classified as level 2 or higher is redirected to our partner at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH), as we operate as a Level 1 facility.
13. What does the usual patient journey look like with redirects?
- Every time we initiate a redirect; expectant mothers who are due soon are contacted to inform them of the situation.
- At the prenatal clinic, physicians inform patients about anticipated closures and advise them to plan for delivery at Huntsville.
- If a patient arrives at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) unexpectedly, they are assessed, and there is a physician-to-physician handover to the safest site, typically via ambulance.
14. Have any options to stay open been explored, such as locum coverage?
We have explored locum coverage; however, we were unable to obtain additional locum staff due to low birth volumes and the novice skillset of our current nursing staff.
15. Who have you worked with and what partnerships have influenced this decision?
The team at MAHC has consulted extensively with nursing staff, physicians, department leads, the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) other hospitals in the area, Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health in making the determination to temporarily consolidate services to HDMH.