SSMHC Responds to MAHC’s May 16, 2024 Press Release
The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee (SSMHC) is compelled to respond to the May 16, 2024 press release issued by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) regarding a “consensus statement” by medical community advisors on MAHC’s current proposed hospital redevelopment plans.
MAHC’s press release states that the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) developed a “consensus statement” endorsing the current proposed MAHC health system plan but it omits that the MAC “consensus statement” was not supported by all MAC members. SSMHC has received credible information on this. SSMHC believes that this is a significant detail that must be made known to the public for appropriate transparency.
SSMHC asserts that MAHC has a duty to ensure accuracy in its press releases and not to mislead the general public while it is actively engaging with community stakeholders. SSMHC also responds to ensure that the serious concerns and debate raised by healthcare professionals in South Muskoka on the current health system plans are not inadvertently obscured.
We urge MAHC to issue a clarification to its May 16 press release and to be mindful of such important details while stakeholder engagement continues.
SSMHC also calls on MAHC to recognize the broader perspectives within the medical community beyond the MAC, including the medical professionals in South Muskoka who issued a public letter dated May 9, 2024. In order to ensure a fair engagement process, SSMHC expects that MAHC will ensure that all voices are considered equitably and without repercussion or reprimand in decision-making processes moving forward.
SSMHC calls for transparent and inclusive dialogue that respects the input of all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community members, and local politicians. Together, we can work towards revised health system plans that focus on mitigating risks of harm, providing local access and can better respond to the healthcare needs of the residents of Muskoka and its surrounding areas.
About Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee:
The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee is a grassroots non-profit corporation dedicated to advocating for two mid-sized, equal hospitals in both South Muskoka and Huntsville. The SSMHC tagline, “Keep the Promise!” refers to the commitments made by the District of Muskoka, the Town of Huntsville, the Town of Bracebridge, and from MAHC to the people of Muskoka to pursue the strategy for healthcare at two equal acute care sites in Muskoka.
SSMHC membership is open to grassroots volunteers who are passionate about advocating for local, accessible, and high-quality healthcare delivery at two equal hospital sites.
To get involved, show support or learn more:
- Sign our current petition targeting the $77M local share, details can be found at https://ssmh.ca/petitions/
- Contact our local and Provincial politicians, and the MAHC board indicating your concerns and calling for them to keep the promise of 2 equal acute care hospitals in both Huntsville and Bracebridge. A list of contacts can be found here: https://ssmh.ca/government-and-mahc-contacts/
- Reach out on our contact page to acquire a lawn sign as a visible show of support: https://ssmh.ca/contact/
- Donate to our committee as we begin exploring our legal avenues: https://ssmh.ca/donations/
Follow Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee at: ssmh.ca or email: [email protected]
Nadia Chamberlain, Vice-Chair
Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee
A Registered Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation