The initiative is intended to improve the patient experience while supporting more efficient
patient flow through the Emergency Department. Expected benefits include improved patient experience by allowing more restful wait in the comfort their home, enhanced infection prevention and control, improved patient flow within the health centre and improved access to care across the health care system.

“We are pleased to introduce a Virtual Waiting Room that gives eligible patients more choice in how and where they wait for care,” says Victoria Langley, Chief Nursing Officer at WPSHC. “For patients with non-urgent concerns, waiting at home can be more comfortable, convenient, and supportive of their health. We also anticipate that this technology will help our care teams manage patient flow and improve infection control within our Emergency Department.”

During the initial phase, up to five patients per day will be able to join the VWR, though this
number is anticipated to be able to expand. To be eligible for the use of the WPSHC Virtual
Waiting Room patients need to:
• Be 4 months or older.
• Have access to a device that enables them to receive SMS texts.
• Experiencing an approved, non-urgent conditions. These conditions include:
o Cough, cold, sore throat
o Earache
o Rashes
o Dental pain
o Prescription renewal
o Suture or staple removal
o Minor cuts and scrapes
o Sprains and strains
o Burning with urination
The Virtual Waiting Room is not an online medical assessment, or triage service. Patients will
not be clinically assessed until they arrive at the Emergency Department. The VWR is not
intended for anyone experiencing a medical emergency, who feels their medical condition is
urgent, or is concerned that they need immediate medical attention. Anyone with these
concerns should call 911 or go immediately to their nearest Emergency Department.
As Emergency Departments across Ontario continue to experience periods of high demand,
WPSHC’s Virtual Waiting Room is one way that our team is using technology to improve the
experience of our patients, while supporting critical health measures such as improved infection
prevention and control. As in every Emergency Department, patients are treated according to
the seriousness of their condition, not according to their arrival time or Virtual Waiting Room
status. Estimated wait time may change should an urgent medical need arise within our
Emergency Department.
“This initiative is about creating a better and more informed experience for patients while
continuing to ensure that those with the most urgent needs receive immediate attention,” says
Donald Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer at WPSHC. “It is an important step in our ongoing
work to improve access, communication, and coordination for the patients and families we are
privileged to serve.”
The Virtual Waiting Room is available when staffing and conditions within the Emergency
Department allow team members to safely oversee its use. Availability is subject to
change based on operational demands.
To determine whether the Virtual Waiting Room is currently available, to learn more about a
health concern is eligible, or to find instructions to join the queue visit
https://www.wpshc.com/wpshc-virtual-waiting-room/.

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The meeting provided an opportunity for open dialogue on issues of significant importance to the community, including hospital site selection, clinical planning (including obstetrics), transportation, transitional care, community engagement and the rationale informing key redevelopment decisions.

Both organizations recognize that decisions made through the redevelopment process will have long-term implications for patients, families, healthcare providers and communities throughout Muskoka.

SSMHC shared perspectives regarding the redevelopment plan and the proposed South Muskoka hospital site, including considerations related to future healthcare needs, hospital capacity, access to services and long-term planning for growth.

Transportation was an important topic of discussion. Participants discussed the challenges some patients, families and caregivers may experience when accessing services across a large geographic region. MAHC shared information about initiatives currently underway to address transportation needs and acknowledged the importance of continuing these conversations as planning progresses.

“This discussion was an important opportunity to share information, listen carefully and strengthen understanding of the plan for the future of healthcare in Muskoka,” said Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO of MAHC. “We remain committed to working with our communities as planning moves forward.”

“SSMHC welcomed the opportunity to bring the community’s concerns directly to MAHC and to discuss the long-term implications of the redevelopment plan,” said Steve Webb, Co-Chair of SSMHC. “Our responsibility is to advocate for equitable access to health care and to ensure that the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital has the capacity to serve a growing population, both now and in the future. We appreciate the opportunity for dialogue, while recognizing that important questions about future capacity, access and transportation remain central to our advocacy.”

“SSMHC appreciates the opportunity to bring forward the community’s concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment plan, particularly the concentration of all transitional care beds at the Huntsville site and the practical challenges this presents for South Muskoka residents, their families and caregivers,” said Frankie Dewsbury, Co-Chair of the SSMHC. “This is important because the question is not merely where beds and services are located. It is whether patients and their families can realistically access the care and support they need. We are encouraged by the information shared by MAHC regarding its work to address transportation challenges and recognize this as an important consideration in ensuring equitable access to care.”

“Planning for the future of hospital care requires us to look carefully at how clinical services work together and how we can best support patients and providers,” said Dr. Scott Whynot, incoming Chief of Staff. “I am optimistic that the future model will strengthen coordinated care across Muskoka and support better experiences for patients, families and providers. Conversations like this give us an opportunity to share the clinical thinking behind the plan, answer questions and better understand the concerns being raised by the community.”

“The Board recognizes how important this redevelopment is to the communities we serve and the strong interest people have in its future,” said Carla Clarkson-Ladd, Board Chair of MAHC. “Open and respectful dialogue helps ensure questions and concerns are heard as we continue moving this important project forward.”

MAHC and SSMHC thank the Town of Bracebridge for its support in bringing the organizations together and helping facilitate productive discussion.

“I am pleased to see MAHC and SSMHC come together in a spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment to the future of healthcare in our region. By engaging in open communication there is an opportunity to build greater understanding and move forward constructively. Continued collaboration will help build understanding and keep us moving forward toward the shared goal of high-quality hospital care for the people of Muskoka,” said Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge.

Bobbie Clark, Interim Vice President, People, and Organizational Excellence at MAHC says the team at MAHC remains committed to meaningful engagement throughout the redevelopment process. “That includes continuing to listen, addressing any identified gaps in the sharing of information and creating opportunities for constructive conversation, recognizing that meaningful dialogue does not require agreement on every issue.”

Both organizations share a commitment to equitable access to high-quality health care for the communities MAHC serves. While perspectives may differ on some aspects of the redevelopment plan, the organizations recognize the importance of continued dialogue, transparent communication and careful consideration of the needs of patients and communities as planning advances.

SSMHC will continue to advocate for a redevelopment plan that provides equitable access to hospital care, appropriate acute care capacity in South Muskoka and consideration of the transportation challenges that can arise when services are centralized at one location.

Still on track with Infrastructure Ontario’s timeline, MAHC is awaiting approval of its Stage 1.3 capital redevelopment submission and hopes to receive an update in the coming weeks. The
project will bring more than $1 billion in provincial funding and local share contributions to building two new acute care hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville.

For more information on MAHC’s plan for the two new hospitals, visit madeinmuskokahealthcare.ca.

For information on SSMHC’s advocacy visit ssmh.ca.

For questions related to the plan, submit an email to MAHC redevelopment@mahc.ca.

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For Cottage Vacations | CV Real Estate, a company deeply connected to Muskoka’s cottage community, supporting local healthcare is a meaningful way to give back to the community where they live, work and welcome visitors from near and far.

Jay Katzeff, Tyler DaCosta, and Joshua Chisvin Cottage Vacations | CV Real Estate partners told us: “Supporting Huntsville Hospital is important to us because healthcare is something that touches everyone in our community. Our team is proud to be part of a business that helps families create special memories in Muskoka, and we know how important it is for our staff, our clients and the many visitors we welcome to have access to excellent care at Huntsville Hospital. We’re proud to make this $25,000 commitment through Business Cares and to help support the future of healthcare in Huntsville and across Muskoka.”

The Business Cares program brings local business owners and leaders together to make a meaningful, long-term investment in healthcare in Muskoka. Each participating business commits to a minimum five-year, $25,000 pledge, providing consistent and dependable funding to support the hospital’s evolving equipment and technology needs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cottage Vacations | CV Real Estate to Business Cares and incredibly grateful for their commitment to our hospital,” said Katherine Craine, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “Muskoka is a special place for so many people, and businesses like Cottage Vacations understand the importance of ensuring excellent healthcare is available for the residents, families and visitors who enjoy our community. Their generosity is an investment in the future of healthcare in Muskoka.”

Since its launch in 2016, Business Cares has brought together local businesses committed to strengthening Huntsville Hospital and healthcare in the community. Together, Business Cares partners have pledged more than $2.4 million to support critical medical equipment, technology, and the future of local healthcare. When local businesses invest in Huntsville Hospital, everyone benefits.

Trevor Groh, Committee Chair, is joined by Committee Members Pat Dube, Andy MacCulloch, Chantelle Armstrong, Katherine Craine, and Trish Kruusmagi, who are very active in pursuing new Business Cares Partners, and exploring more, much needed support for Huntsville Hospital.

To learn more about Huntsville Hospital Foundation or Business Cares initiative, please visit www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca  or call Development Officer Trish Kruusmagi, 705-789-2311 ext. 2493.

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Organized by Michelle Feir, mom and member of the GBGH Foundation team, the event brought participants together at Down By The Bay Play Café before heading out for a walk along the Midland waterfront. What started as a regular gathering among friends became a creative way to support local health care while enjoying an active morning together.

Funds raised through the event will help support priority equipment and technology needs at GBGH, ensuring care teams have the tools they need to provide excellent health care.

“ Events like We See You Strollin’ are so important because they bring our community together around a shared purpose: ensuring our community and patients at GBGH have access to the equipment and technology they need when they need it most,” says Robyn Kaczanowski, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “That’s at the heart of our We See You: Inside and Out campaign. Whether someone gives $10, sponsors an event, volunteers their time, or funds a piece of equipment, they are helping ensure patients at GBGH receive the best possible care. That collective generosity is what makes our community so extraordinary.”

Community support helps fund essential equipment throughout the hospital, including items such as surgical instrument trays. At $890 each, these trays are critical to maintaining the highest level of sterility for surgical instruments and supporting safe surgical care for patients.

The Foundation congratulates the event’s top fundraisers: Charlotte Hall, Suzanne Wood, and Miranda Parkin, whose enthusiasm and dedication helped boost the event’s impact, and extends its sincere thanks to everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, and supported We See You Strollin’.

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The new system provides families with a secure livestream of their baby and enables care teams to share updates, helping parents stay connected during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

For families and caregivers with a baby in the NICU, separation can be unavoidable. Whether recovering from childbirth, caring for other children, balancing work responsibilities, or navigating transportation, financial or other challenges, being away from your newborn can be incredibly difficult.

AngelEye helps bridge that gap by providing secure access to a baby’s bedside, supporting parent-infant bonding, reducing stress and anxiety, and strengthening family connections. It also helps mothers feel connected during feeding and pumping routines, supporting breastfeeding and maternal well-being during a critical time for both parent and baby.

The inspiration for bringing AngelEye to RVH began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when visiting restrictions prompted NICU staff to find new ways to keep families connected to their babies through video technology.

“What started as a way to support new parents and caregivers during a difficult period made us realize just how valuable that connection is, regardless of visitor restrictions,” said Natalie Sherrit, Manager, NICU and Paediatrics at RVH. “They told us how meaningful it was to see their baby when they couldn’t be there. Now, bringing AngelEye to RVH builds on that experience by giving families and their support systems secure, reliable access to their newborn around the clock and helping them feel more involved and engaged in their baby’s care journey. It also helps mothers in their post-natal recovery and supports breastfeeding and milk production while their baby is receiving specialized care.”

RVH’s NICU cares for some of the region’s smallest and most vulnerable patients, admitting nearly 400 newborns each year. While the unit’s physical space is constrained and in need of future expansion, the team continually seeks innovative ways to enhance the experience of patients and families.

“Our team is incredibly committed to making every family’s experience as positive and supportive as possible,” said Sherrit. “While we’re mindful of the great need for expansion in our small and aging space, that has never stopped our staff from finding new ways to innovate, improve care and create exceptional experiences for families when they need us most.”

When their daughter Soleil arrived unexpectedly at 33 weeks and one day, first-time parents Brieanna and Rainier Croft found themselves navigating the uncertainty of a NICU stay. As the first family at RVH to use the AngelEye system, they experienced firsthand how the technology can provide comfort, reassurance, and connection during a difficult time.

“It’s so hard being separated from your baby,” said Brieanna. “Being able to see Soleil and know she was okay and receiving the best care possible was truly amazing. As first-time parents, it helped lessen so much of the anxiety that comes with having your baby in the NICU.”

For dad, Rainier, the technology helped the entire family feel connected.

“There’s a sense of closeness that comes from being able to pull up your phone and see your baby whenever you need to,” he said. “It’s incredible for parents, but also for grandparents and family members who may not be able to make the trip to the hospital. It helps everyone feel connected and involved during a very important time.”

The introduction of AngelEye is another example of RVH’s commitment to delivering an exceptional patient, family and caregiver experience while embracing innovative solutions that improve care and strengthen connections.

“We know that family presence is an important part of a baby’s development, building those early bonds and supporting the well-being of everyone involved in their care,” said Sherrit. “While technology can never replace being at the bedside, AngelEye helps families, caregivers and loved ones remain connected when circumstances don’t allow it.”

By reducing barriers to participation and supporting bonding, breastfeeding and family engagement in neonatal care, RVH is helping create a more compassionate and equitable experience for when families need it most.

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A respected physician leader, educator, researcher and healthcare advocate, Dr. Whynot brings extensive clinical, administrative, quality and governance experience to the role. Having served communities across Muskoka through MAHC since 2018, he has developed a deep understanding of the region’s healthcare needs and the opportunities facing rural healthcare organizations.

Dr. Whynot’s clinical experience spans family medicine, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, long-term care, palliative care and surgical services. He also serves as Medical Director at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf and leads various research initiatives through the South Muskoka Local Education Group.

“Dr. Whynot has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence, quality improvement and collaborative leadership throughout his career,” said Carla Clarkson-Ladd, Chair of the MAHC Board of Directors. “His broad experience across healthcare settings, combined with his passion for innovation and patient-centred care, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our professional staff and support the organization’s strategic priorities.”

Dr. Whynot currently serves as Quality Lead Physician at the MAHC South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site in Bracebridge, where he provides medical leadership across several governance and quality tables, including the Medical Advisory Committee, Medical Quality Assurance, Quality of Care, Clinical Ethics, and Quality and Patient Safety.

“I am honoured to serve as Chief of Staff for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare,” said Dr. Whynot. “Having worked alongside dedicated physicians, staff, volunteers and leaders across MAHC for the past eight years, I have seen firsthand the incredible care provided to our communities. I look forward to working collaboratively with our medical staff, leadership team, Board of Directors and community partners to strengthen quality, advance innovation and ensure exceptional care for patients and families across Muskoka and East Parry Sound.”

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Whynot will provide medical leadership to MAHC’s professional staff, support quality and patient safety initiatives, foster physician engagement and work closely with hospital leadership and the Board to advance the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

In addition to his clinical and leadership responsibilities, Dr. Whynot is an Assistant Professor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and an Adjunct Professor at Laurentian

University. He is actively involved in research, physician education and leadership development, helping to strengthen healthcare capacity across Northern and rural Ontario.

He also serves as an Investigating Coroner for the Province of Ontario and has conducted more than 1,100 investigations involving sudden, unexpected, or non-natural deaths, bringing valuable experience in systems analysis, risk management and evidence-based decision-making.

Currently pursuing a Master of Laws (Health Law) at Osgoode Hall Law School, Dr. Whynot is developing specialized expertise in healthcare governance, legislation, regulatory compliance and emerging issues related to healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence.

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The reminder follows reports of a human case of West Nile virus in Simcoe County, along with five birds and one horse that tested positive for the virus. These findings indicate West Nile virus is circulating in the community. The health unit notes that more infections likely occur than are reported because many people contract the virus do not become ill or seek medical attention.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. People can become infected if bitten by a mosquito that has first bitten an infected bird.

The health unit recommends following these steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent approved for use in Canada and follow label instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover exposed skin with long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat when mosquitoes are present.
• Remove standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to help keep mosquitoes out.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but some can become seriously ill. Symptoms can include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and sensitivity to light. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical care.

The health unit monitors mosquitoes across Simcoe Muskoka through trapping, testing and larval checks during the summer. Local surveillance data is available on the health unit’s HealthSTATS Infectious Diseases and Insect and Animal Surveillance dashboards.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit smdhu.org/WNv.

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Hosted by John and Margaret Leonardo at their Cedar Ridge home on July 25, the annual Cedar Ridge BBQ raised more than $213,397 in support of the GBGH Foundation’s We See You: Inside and Out campaign, helping prepare for the addition of 24 acute mental health beds at the Midland hospital.

A highlight of the evening came when community supporters Marc Wayne and Julie Coleman announced their family foundation would match donations made during the event, up to $100,000. Their generosity inspired guests to give enthusiastically, helping drive the event’s remarkable fundraising success.

“The Cedar Ridge BBQ is a wonderful example of what happens when community leaders bring people together around a cause they care deeply about,” says Robyn Kaczanowski, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “John and Margaret have created something truly special through this event, and Marc and Julie’s matching gift inspired an incredible outpouring of generosity. Together, they helped turn a summer gathering into a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community.”

The Cedar Ridge BBQ has become a much-anticipated summer tradition, bringing neighbours, friends and supporters together in support of GBGH. Through ticket sales, donations, auctions and matching contributions, attendees demonstrated the power of community-led philanthropy and the impact individuals can make when they come together for a common cause.

Mental health remains one of the most significant health care challenges facing North Simcoe. Last year, more than 1,000 people came to GBGH’s Emergency Department seeking mental health care, yet the hospital is not funded to provide acute mental health services. GBGH has submitted a plan to the Ministry of Health to build a 40,000-square-foot addition that would include 24 mental health beds, helping expand access to care and relieve pressure on the Emergency Department.

“The need for expanded mental health services in North Simcoe is urgent,” says Matthew Lawson, president & CEO, Georgian Bay General Hospital. “Too many individuals in crisis face long waits because there aren’t enough acute mental health beds available in our region. GBGH has a plan to change that, and we are ready to move forward as soon as approvals are secured. We’re incredibly grateful to the Cedar Ridge community, and everyone who supported this event, for helping us prepare for the future of accessible mental health care for everyone who needs it.”

“Every gift made at the Cedar Ridge BBQ sends a powerful message that mental health matters,” adds Kaczanowski. “This community continues to show up for local health care in remarkable ways, and we’re grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, donor and attendee who helped make this event such a success.”

To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: https://weseeyougbgh.ca/.

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