Under Dr. Abdel-Razek’s leadership, MAHC has made notable strides in advancing quality care, investing in professional development for physicians, and strengthening clinical services. His tenure saw the modernization of the Hospitalist Program, resulting in improved patient care coverage and responsiveness across sites. He also championed the establishment of a formal Quality of Care Committee and the creation of two dedicated Quality Lead roles, reinforcing MAHC’s commitment to continuous quality improvement.

In addition, MAHC achieved measurable improvements in operational performance, including reductions in patient length of stay supporting more efficient and effective care delivery. Dr. Abdel-Razek also played a key role in expanding physician leadership capacity, developing innovative programs, and advancing priorities in clinical care, utilization, regional partnerships, capital redevelopment, and medical affairs—further positioning MAHC for ongoing success.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Abdel-Razek for his exceptional leadership and commitment to patient care,” said Dave Uffelmann, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His vision and dedication have helped shape a culture of development, excellence, and continuous improvement across our organization.”

MAHC’s Board of Directors will initiate a recruitment process for the next Chief of Staff in the coming weeks. A selection committee, including representatives from credentialed staff, will guide the process. “We are grateful for Dr. Abdel-Razek’s lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve,” added Uffelmann. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare remains committed to working closely with its partners to ensure a seamless transition and continued delivery of safe, high-quality care across the region.

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This essential upgrade enhances the reliability and resilience of the hospital’s electrical systems, ensuring faster, seamless transitions to emergency power when required. These advancements support uninterrupted care delivery and further strengthen patient safety, comfort, and confidence during unexpected power events.

“The successful installation of the Automatic Transfer Switch is an important advancement for South Muskoka Memorial Hospital.” said Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO, “These infrastructure improvements strengthen our ability to provide safe, reliable care and underscore our continued investment in the future of our hospital and the communities we serve. We are grateful to our dedicated staff whose professionalism and teamwork helped ensure the success of this project.”

MAHC extends sincere thanks to all staff, physicians, partners, and contractors for their hard work, dedication, and collaboration throughout this process. Staff professionalism and commitment ensured that patient care continued safely and effectively during the temporary disruption. Their efforts were instrumental in delivering this project successfully.

MAHC also thanks patients, families, and community members for their patience and understanding during the planned outage. The successful completion of this upgrade reflects MAHC’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure improvements that support high-quality, dependable care for the communities it serves.

For more information, please visit www.mahc.ca

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The planned outage will take place from 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 to 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This work is required to complete upgrades to the hospital’s Automatic Transfer Switches, an important investment in maintaining reliable and resilient systems that support patient care.

Extensive coordination and planning have been undertaken to ensure patient safety remains the top priority throughout the process. Clinical teams, facilities staff, and regional partners have worked closely to minimize risk and maintain continuity of care during this period.

During the outage, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will operate at a reduced capacity and provide emergent care only. Where appropriate, Emergency Medical Services will redirect patients to Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, which will continue full emergency services during this time. This approach helps ensure timely access to care while allowing the necessary upgrades to be completed safely.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has implemented a comprehensive communications and mitigation plan, including coordination with paramedic services, municipal emergency management teams, police and fire services, regional hospitals and Home and Community Care partners. Should an unexpected external power interruption occur during the upgrade, contingency plans are in place to support critical services.

MAHC thanks patients, families, staff, physicians, first responders, and community partners for their understanding and cooperation as this important work is completed. These upgrades support MAHC’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality care for the communities it serves.

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Notably, both transformational gifts were made through gifts of publicly traded securities;
a form of giving that maximizes impact for the hospital and can provide significant tax
benefits to the donor. Through this thoughtful approach to giving, Bob has ensured that the
full value of his generosity goes to advancing patient care.

“Our hospital is the heart of this community,” says Bob. “Supporting its future is one of the
most meaningful investments I can make, and giving through stocks is easy. I challenge
other donors: why wait?”

Bob’s latest contribution builds on his legacy of philanthropy that has spanned years. With
his total giving now over $2.2 million, Bob’s impact will be felt across patient care,
medical advancements, and expanded access to critical health services for generations to
come.

“In just six months, Bob has doubled down on his commitment to our patients and our
mission. His extraordinary generosity strengthens our ability to deliver high quality care
close to home.” Says Foundation Executive Director, Leah Walker.
In recognition of his historic generosity, South Muskoka Hospital has honoured Bob and
his late wife Lynn with recognition on the South Muskoka Hospital’s visitor entranceway.
Foundation Board Chair Dan Brooks noted, “Philanthropy at this level inspires others.
Bob’s leadership challenges all of us to think bigger about what’s possible for healthcare in
our region.” –

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In January, MAHC announced the temporary pause of mammography services at the Huntsville Hospital to allow for the installation of a new, advanced system made possible through the generosity of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and its dedicated donors. Today, MAHC is proud to welcome patients back into a refreshed clinic space equipped with leading-edge technology designed to enhance both clinical excellence and patient comfort.

The new GE Senographe Pristina mammography unit offers significant advancements over the previous system. Most notably, it features advanced 3D tomosynthesis technology, producing clearer, more detailed images—particularly beneficial for detecting and diagnosing lesions in dense breast tissue. The system also allows for faster and more efficient image acquisition, helping reduce the time patients spend in compression.

Patient comfort was a key consideration in the design of the new unit. Supportive armrests have replaced the rigid handles of the previous machine, allowing patients to relax their muscles during the exam, which improves both comfort and image quality. The addition of the Pristina SensorySuite further enhances the experience, with monitors on both sides of the unit displaying soothing scenery accompanied by calming sounds. The new equipment also supports technologists through improved ergonomics, reducing physical strain during patient positioning and maneuvering, and contributing to a safer, more efficient workflow.

MAHC extends its sincere appreciation to patients and families for their patience during the temporary service pause and renovation period. Routine mammography services have now resumed at the Huntsville Hospital, and patients will be contacted regarding any rebooked appointments as needed.

This upgrade reflects MAHC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for everyone in Muskoka.

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Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and its donors and community supporters, the hospital will unveil a modern mammography machine with tomography and a newly refreshed clinic space in February 2026.

To prepare for this upgrade, all mammography services at the HDMH Site will be temporarily paused starting Monday, January 5. During this time, patients who need urgent breast imaging will be booked at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) Site to make sure they still get the care they need.

Patients who are anticipating a routine mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program during the renovation period will be rebooked once the new unit is up and running.

“We’re thrilled to be able to obtain advanced mammography technology and replace aging equipment,” says President & CEO Cheryl Harrison. “This upgrade will help us provide clearer images, faster results, and an even better experience for our patients. Thank you to our community for their patience and understanding during this temporary pause. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into the new space in February.”

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This notable achievement means GBGH will be able to purchase 9 brand new stretchers for patients at the Midland hospital. Originally, the Foundation aimed to fund 3 stretchers, but the community’s response has made it possible to provide even greater comfort and safety for patients at GBGH.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the generosity shown this Giving Tuesday,” shares Nick Boudouris. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to support our hospital. On behalf of our family and businesses, thank you to everyone who gave alongside us and the dedicated staff…your kindness will make a real difference for patients in our community.”

The new stretchers will provide patients with a more comfortable place to rest while in hospital, supporting those in the emergency department, between diagnostic tests, and after surgery.

“We are deeply grateful for every donor who contributed to this campaign,” says Robyn Kaczanowski, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “Thanks to your generosity, we were able to fund ALL the new stretchers the hospital needs this year! This is a wonderful example of what our community can accomplish together, and we celebrate the impact your gifts will have for patients at GBGH.”

The GBGH Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all donors, volunteers, and partners who made this Giving Tuesday such a resounding success.

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The outbreak lasted 13 days, and through outbreak management protocols including testing, seven patient cases and three staff cases were attributed to the outbreak.

North Wing at SMMH reopened to visitors on December 3, in line with MAHC’s current visiting policy that allows an inpatient to have two visitors per day between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Effective November 24, everyone must wear a surgical mask over their nose and mouth throughout the hospital.

Masking is an important measure to protect patients and staff, maintain safe hospital operations, and reduce the risk of becoming ill. Other infection and prevention control measures like hand washing and proper self-screening for symptoms of illness and staying home when unwell also help to limit the spread of respiratory viruses.

Surgical masks are available at entrances to the hospitals and in various clinical areas.

Masking changes follow a respiratory outbreak on North Wing at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) Site, declared by MAHC in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on Friday, November 21.

Due to the outbreak, general visitors are not permitted on North Wing, and visitation is limited to one essential caregiver only. Essential caregivers are to wear a surgical mask and other appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as identified by the care team.

Testing of patients and staff continues to occur as part of outbreak management protocols, and enhanced cleaning practices are underway to limit spread.

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