(Click the image to expand the infographic)
What Transportation services will be available for patients going to medical appointments?
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is addressing transportation concerns for patient transfers between Bracebridge and Huntsville, aiming to ensure safe, efficient transfers through ongoing negotiations with EMS and private service providers. Efforts include expanding community paramedicine, exploring high-acuity vehicles, and considering new shuttle services and partnerships to enhance patient access and support.
How will patients be transferred from one hospital to another?
Stable patients will be transferred by EMS as they currently are. Patients who are attending prescheduled appointments will have access to some form of shuttle transportation between the sites.
What transportation services will be available for family members and loved ones?
Currently, a pilot Corridor 11 bus service exists, with fee exemptions for low-income users. We’re exploring partnerships with local transportation initiatives like “Wave” for a more integrated network, although formal discussions are pending.
What will the cost of transportation be for the public and for the hospital?
Conversations are taking place around potential solutions for transportation between sites. More information will become available as planning continues. It is important to remember that the cost of transportation will be far less than the cost of adding services to one hospital site or another.
How will MAHC balance travel, access and service quality across both hospital sites?
MAHC recognizes that travel is an important concern for patients and families, particularly for those attending frequent appointments or receiving treatment while feeling unwell.
The future model must consider access across MAHC’s full-service region, rather than one community alone. Many Ontario regions rely on a single hospital for specialized services across much greater distances. MAHC will continue to operate two hospital sites, with specialized services distributed between them.
The decision to locate a specialized service at one site is based on where it can be delivered most safely, reliably and sustainably for patients.
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
- Stay Ahead of the Curve
- Services & Beds
- Transportation
- Recruitment & Retention
- Community Supports
- Closure & Privatization
- Site Selection
- Read all our most recent redevelopment project updates
Stay Up-to-Date
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about the future of health in the Muskoka region. Click the button below to go to our Newsletter Sign-up Form.