Task Force Finalizes Services Proposed in Future Models

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s (MAHC) Capital Plan Development Task Force has reached an important point in its future planning work, coming to consensus on the details of the programs and services proposed in each of the models.

Through many workshops with clinicians and various other stakeholders, the models have evolved from high-level concepts to more in-depth descriptions of the programs and services that are proposed in each of the models, explains Cameron Renwick, Chair of the Capital Plan Development Task Force.

“No decisions on a preferred model have been made,” says Renwick. “Throughout the process, we have received significant input that has informed the models. Many people have been involved in finalizing the programs and services proposed in each model, including MAHC leaders, staff and physicians, community providers, and municipalities. I want to assure everyone the task force is listening, and recognizes that community engagement has an important role in the evaluation of the models. I also want to remind everyone this is high-level planning for 10 to 15 years or more.”

Descriptions of the finalized proposed models are published in the Planning for the Future section of the MAHC website, including a Models on a Page document describing the programs and services proposed in each of three models at a glance and in greater detail.

“The Ministry also directed that our planning work explore and demonstrate the potential shift of appropriate services from hospital to community,” adds Renwick. “To meet that expectation, the task force has identified services that are currently provided in the hospital that could potentially be community-based in the future. This would only be possible if the greater health care system integration supported this transition.”

The task force has also approved the evaluation criteria that community feedback also helped shape, says Renwick. The task force will apply a variety of data such as projections, health care studies, and reports on land-use planning, economic impact, and costs to build and operate as part of their evaluation of the three models.

Once the task force determines it has collected all of the required information, members will complete an evaluation of the three different models to assist them in arriving at a preferred service delivery model to recommend to the MAHC Board of Directors.

For more information about MAHC’s future planning work, visit www.mahc.ca/planning-for-the-future.