Imagining the future of Made-In-Muskoka Healthcare
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is undergoing a dynamic transformation. Our $1 Billion dollar redevelopment efforts for 2 new hospitals focus on innovative healthcare approaches, utilizing advanced medical technologies and enhancing collaborative practices.
The Big Picture
The Future of Health Care in Muskoka
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s (MAHC) future service delivery framework is meticulously crafted, drawing from expert planning, comprehensive evaluations, and numerous studies, all enriched by the direct input of our communities and dedicated healthcare providers. Looking ahead, MAHC is committed to enhancing acute care services across both of our sites, each supported by essential diagnostics and core support services. Our vision encompasses a broad array of acute care programs, including emergency, inpatient, and surgical services. Our proposal includes adding new inpatient beds, a cutting-edge stroke rehabilitation unit, and advanced MRI technology.
Our focused approach ensures that specialized services such as Chemotherapy and Complex Continuing Care continue to be centrally available to serve the entire region effectively. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the Ministry of Health’s directive to transition services from hospital settings to community-based care. As a result, we are identifying and designing community-appropriate services such as prenatal care, pacemaker clinics, and diabetes education to enhance accessibility and convenience for our patients.
We are proud that our multi-site strategy supports not only patient- and family-centred care but also provides optimal access to care, ensuring the sustainability of acute care services for Muskoka and its neighbouring areas. This model is well-supported by our communities and is designed to be dynamic, allowing for ongoing adjustments to incorporate evolving technologies, best practices, and community needs. This strategic flexibility ensures that our service delivery remains adaptable and responsive to any future challenges or opportunities.
How we’re transforming regional health care
- Doubling emergency department capacities
- Expanding square footage by 80%
- Expanding surgical services
- Creating clinics for women and seniors
- Maintaining a Level 2 ICU and adding a Level 3
- Developing Specialized Reactivation and Rehabilitation Units
TWO SIDES OF A HEART
These two complementary sites fit together like two sides of a human heart, the Bracebridge and Huntsville sites form one hospital, vital to the longevity of care in our community.
Working together, these two fully functional and interdependent future hospital sites will shape a healthier tomorrow for residents in the Muskoka area.
QUALITY OF CARE
The new regional model was built on the foundation of quality patient care. This approach to regional health care will transform how services are distributed, providing everyone in our region with continued access to high-quality care.
Consolidating expertise and resources from two sites will establish centres of excellence, enhancing the patient experience and quality of care. Creating critical mass in our programs means more specialized care for patients and better patient outcomes, with staff and physicians able to focus on their area of specialty.
This data-driven plan for local healthcare will provide sustainable and high-quality patient care in Muskoka and Area for years to come.
SERVICES BY SITE
The layout and design of yesteryear isn’t working now. The new, fresh, and innovative integrated regional approach will allow us to grow and adapt in the future to continue to provide high-quality specialized care.
BOTH SITES
- Expanded emergency departments
- Labour and delivery services
- ICU (Level 2 in Bracebridge, Level 3 in Huntsville)
- General Surgery (Inpatient and Outpatient)
The stroke centre is designated by the Ministry of Health and takes into consideration the entire catchment area and the distance to travel. This requires an MRI and Rehabilitation. This led the decision-making to create a critical mass in Huntsville to ensure residents can get the care they need locally without having to travel out of the region.
WHAT’S NEW?
BRACEBRIDGE SITE
- Surgical centre of excellence
- Enhanced diagnostic imaging
- Regional cancer care home
- Specialty clinics for women and seniors
HUNTSVILLE SITE
- Level 3 ICU
- Designated stroke unit
- Reactivation
- Rehabilitation
For more information on the types of services available, view the present and future state charts here.
Care Beds by the numbers
HUNTSVILLE
BRACEBRIDGE
Longer-Stay Beds
Huntsville Site
Stroke and acute rehabilitation
≥6 length of stay
Acute Care Beds
CAPITAL REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
The future of healthcare in Muskoka is evolving with major improvements. Join Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, as she shares exciting news about the future of our hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville.
Want to dig deeper?
If you're looking for more information, check out these resources...
- Why We Need New Hospitals
- Our Vision & Service Areas
- Planning & Timelines
- Data & Research
- Services & Beds
- Transportation
- Recruitment & Retention
- Community Supports
- Closure & Privatization
- Read all our most recent redevelopment project updates