Statement from MPP Graydon Smith On MAHC’s Motion To Proceed To Detailed Planning Stage Of Hospital Redevelopments

“The provincial government has committed to unprecedented financial support to fund two hospital redevelopments for Muskoka and Almaguin. As the MPP, I have been working for months to further discussion and collaboration between Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC),  concerned doctors, and citizens, in an effort to arrive at a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Clearly, the current proposal has been met with deep dissatisfaction by many in one half of MAHC’s two primary catchment areas. When dozens of doctors express repeated, serious alarm over the plan, it’s incumbent upon the hospital planners at MAHC, or any hospital corporation, to listen, engage and reassess.

It was my understanding that this process of consultation and reflection was ongoing, and that discussions with physicians and municipalities, primarily in the south, were occurring in good faith with a desire to satisfy those from Almaguin in the north to Gravenhurst in the south. This is why I was troubled to learn of the motion to instruct MAHC’s consultants to proceed with the current proposal. It was, and is my belief, that this motion undermined and eroded trust in MAHC’s ability to take the feedback it received and put it to good use.

I am disappointed to see that MAHC proceeded to pass the motion, albeit with an added component to establish a working group tasked with addressing concerns over beds and transportation issues. The proof is in the pudding. MAHC must now prove they’re truly listening to the concerns of the entire area they serve.

With respect to timing and the possibility of delays, I wish to emphasize that I have and will continue to make it clear that these are priority redevelopments. It’s more important to get the submission to the province right from the beginning, rather than having it rejected, modified or having to request a do-over should circumstances change. 

We are the recipients of more funding on a per capita basis for these new hospitals than any other area of Ontario. I am confident, as are the many doctors and administrators that I speak with, that a rock-solid plan that ensures the long-term viability of outstanding health care for every community in Almaguin and Muskoka is possible. I’ll continue to work to make that happen.”