Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee is extremely disappointed with the comments made by MAHC regarding their alleged openness, yet they fail to disclose any financial information of importance. Physicians cannot negotiate in good faith when the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Board refuses to provide essential costings. MAHC ‘s excuse that it will affect bidding for future contracts is without foundation ten years into the future. Even our elected officials are kept in the dark resulting, unfortunately, in little comment from our councils. MAHC is spending one billion dollars from taxpayers’ coffers and yet, only their board members are privileged to know expenditures within “our” healthcare system. This is outrageous, and… very wrong!
There has been no release of financial matters on design, construction costs, land acquisitions, and ground preparation costs, transportation evaluations, nor has MAHC addressed how they will provide expenses for two hundred additional nursing staff when they are apparently fifty nurses currently short. It is absolutely unacceptable for MAHC to say, “Trust Us” … while refusing to produce any financial documentation so citizens may make informed decisions. This should not be a give-away to build a Huntsville regional hospital. We demand answers!
Save South Muskoka Hospital is anxiously awaiting the next round of discussions that the physicians will have in early May with the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Board of Directors. Subject to the outcome of those deliberations. should MAHC fail to respect our physicians’ recommendations for proper bed requirements to the Ministry of Health, MAHC will be shown the full disdain of our citizens in peaceful protest.
MAHC’s claim of transparency, doesn’t fly when our seasonal citizens have not an opportunity to raise their own voices due to the off-season timeframe that Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare chose to host their public meetings? All citizens deserve to be heard, including our summer cottagers, and snowbirds, in addition to our permanent residents. When will MAHC host “Public Chats’ with these segments?
Citizens are strongly urged to continue protesting with signs, writing government personnel at all levels and additionally, voice your opinions directly to the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare at Board of Directors at:705-769-2311, 705-645-4404 or [email protected].
Follow Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee at: ssmh.ca. or email: [email protected]
Bruce C. Kruger, Chair
Save South Muskoka Hospital