MAHC Weekly Community Update – March 8, 2024

The following weekly update is aimed at keeping the community informed as we continue our work to develop the best healthcare system of the future for everyone we serve.   

Recent Meetings

In the past few weeks, we have held collaborative meetings with many of our key stakeholders including our Physicians, Nurses, Collective Bargaining Units, the Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), the Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team (MAOHT) and the Almaguin Health Council.  We are committed to real conversations to build understanding and make adjustments as needed.

 Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO at MAHC is pleased with the outcome of the meetings. “These have been meaningful and productive conversations,” she said. “We’ve received valuable insight and input, and it’s given us a chance to answer questions, alleviate concerns, and continue to refine and clarify details about the proposed model.”

Next Steps in Consultation and Engagement

We look forward to further consultation with the following groups in the coming weeks:

• Muskoka and area Mayors
• Physicians
• MAHC staff and volunteers
• Community groups
• Broad Online and In-Person Community Engagement

Redevelopment Plan Discussions

After a recent engagement with the Credentialed Staff Association meeting on February 20, we received a proposal from a group of South Muskoka physicians regarding the redevelopment of our sites. Our consultants are currently costing out the model, and our internal team is assessing the operational sustainability of the approach.  The outcome of this costing and review will form part of the conversation at the upcoming physician engagement meeting at the end of March.

Community Engagement Planning

Plans are underway for further community engagement sessions, which will include small working groups focused on generative discussion. We will share details about these sessions by the end of March.  

Continued Refinement of the Model

Our commitment to meaningful engagement and dialogue is authentic. We continue to adjust our plans based on input from physicians and others and continue to look at ways to refine and improve the model.

Planning Timeline

Our goal is to submit a final proposed model by the end of 2024, which would keep the project on schedule to start construction in 2029.  

Stakeholder Updates

To keep our communities updated on the progress of our plans and upcoming engagement opportunities, MAHC will continue to release weekly updates.

We encourage all community members to sign up at www.mahc.ca/stayinformed to receive these updates directly.