As an AHF, the designated beds at Granite Ridge will operate as an extension of the hospital system and will be considered a hospital site. Compliant with all legislative requirements for an AHF this designation reflects Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to enhancing patient flow and ensuring high-quality care in the most appropriate setting.

This transformation will provide Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare with five dedicated beds to support patients classified as Alternate Level of Care (ALC)—individuals who no longer require acute hospital services but are unable to return to their previous living arrangement. These patients are often awaiting placement in rehabilitation programs, long-term care, or other funded settings.

With anticipated lengths of stay of fewer than 90 days, the AHF beds at Granite Ridge will play a vital role in ensuring patients receive care in the right place, at the right time, while freeing up acute care capacity within the hospital.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare on this meaningful initiative. The transition to an Alternate Health Facility marks an important step forward in delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time. At Granite Ridge Retirement Residence, we take great pride in providing a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals during key moments in their care journey. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to improving patient flow and enhancing care across the region. We look forward to building an innovative future together and making a lasting, positive impact in our community.”
— Kim Sander, Administrator, Granite Ridge Retirement Residence

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The award was presented during the SeamlessMD Conference held in Toronto in May, where Surgical Transition Nurse Shannon Hubbard attended on behalf of MAHC and accepted the award.

SeamlessMD was implemented at MAHC three years ago to help enhance preoperative education and support patients throughout their surgical journey. The digital platform provides patients with timely information, reminders, and resources before and after surgery, helping them feel more informed, prepared, and supported throughout their care experience.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, supporting patients beyond the walls of the hospital is increasingly important,” said MAHC President and CEO, Cheryl Harrison. “This recognition reflects MAHC’s commitment to improving the patient experience through innovation, education, and compassionate care.”

As Surgical Transition Nurse, Shannon Hubbard plays an important role in the success of the program. She supports patients through enrollment, guides them through the preoperative process, and monitors recovery progress following surgery, helping identify and address concerns early.

The SeamlessMD platform has supported improved communication, patient engagement, and continuity of care for surgical patients across the organization.

MAHC congratulates Shannon and the entire surgical care team on this outstanding achievement and their continued dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

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This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” highlights the vital role nurses play in shaping patient experiences, strengthening healthcare teams, and driving meaningful change across the system.

“At MAHC, we see every day how nurses transform care through their compassion, expertise, and commitment,” says Andrea Lucas, Director of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “Whether at the bedside, supporting care behind the scenes, or leading teams, our nurses make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and their families.”

Nurses are at the heart of patient care—providing not only clinical excellence, but also comfort, advocacy, and connection during some of life’s most important and vulnerable moments. Their impact is often best reflected through the voices of patients and families.

“Having spent over 40 years working in healthcare, my wife and I understand how complex a hospital journey can be,” said Dr. Normand Laperriere, a patient who recently underwent an emergency appendectomy at Huntsville Hospital. “From the moment we arrived, every nurse we encountered was professional, skilled, and incredibly kind. The care was timely, coordinated, and compassionate—I am truly grateful for the outstanding care I received.”

Throughout Nursing Week, MAHC is hosting a number of activities to recognize and thank nursing staff across both hospital sites. Celebrations include appreciation lunches provided by Huntsville and South Muskoka Hospital Foundations, a thank you dinner, pancake breakfasts, and treat delivery carts.

President and CEO Cheryl Harrison recognizes the dedication and impact of nurses across the organization.

“As someone who began my career in nursing, I understand the profound responsibility and privilege that comes with this role,” says Harrison. “Our nurses are leaders, advocates, and caregivers who show up every day with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do.”

Nursing Week is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role nurses play in delivering high-quality, patient- and family-centred care, and to express appreciation for their ongoing contributions to the health and well-being of our communities.

MAHC extends its sincere thanks to all nurses for their commitment, professionalism, and the meaningful difference they make every day.

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The annual, peer-nominated awards recognize staff and teams who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional patient care, demonstrate outstanding leadership, and embody MAHC’s values in meaningful and impactful ways. From everyday acts of compassion to innovative approaches that strengthen care delivery, the awards shine a light on the people who make a difference across the organization.

This year marked an exciting evolution of the program, with the introduction of three new individual awards including the Staff Leadership Award and the Credentialed Staff Clinical Excellence Award, as well as two new team categories: the Extraordinary Caring Team Award and the Collaborative Team Award. These additions reflect MAHC’s continued commitment to recognizing excellence across all areas of care and teamwork.

“These awards are about more than recognition—they are about celebrating the extraordinary dedication and compassion our teams bring to patient care every single day,” said Dave Uffelmann, Chair of the MAHC Board of Directors. “They provide an opportunity for staff to recognize one another and highlight the incredible moments of leadership, collaboration, innovation, and kindness in supporting patients, families, and our communities. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and award recipients.”

The winners of the 2026 Board of Excellence awards are:

• Staff Excellence Awards –
  • The late Georgina (Ginny) Metcalf, Unit Aide
  • Laura Weston, RN, ICU
  • Steven Lui, Charge Respiratory Therapist

• Credentialed Staff Clinical Excellence Award – Dr. Nick Biasutti, Chief Medical Information Officer

• Staff Leadership Award – Anthony Caradonna, Clinical Leader, Emergency Department
• Credentialed Staff Leadership Award – Dr. Carmen Baker, Physician, Rehab/Stroke
• Extraordinary Caring Team Award – ICU Team
• Collaborative Team Award – Mammography Team

A particularly heartfelt moment of the evening was the recognition of award recipient Ginny Metcalfe, whose impact continues to be deeply felt across South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. Ginny, who passed away earlier this year, was remembered as a bright light known for her enthusiasm, kindness, and unwavering compassion for both patients and colleagues. Whether bringing joy as Mrs. Claus or offering support in everyday moments, she had a remarkable ability to make people smile. Ginny received three separate nominations in recognition of the difference she made.

MAHC is also proud to recognize all nominees for their dedication to delivering exceptional care and contributing to a positive, supportive culture across the organization.

Individual Nominations

• Aaron Hammond, Maintenance

• Aimee Brodie, Senior Imaging Technologist
• Alyson Frausel, Human Resources Business Partner
• Carter Veitch, Ward Clerk
• Bert Fazackerley, Environmental Services Aide
• Dr. Luke Wu, Physician, ICU
• Emily Staughton, RN, Obstetrics
• Fiorella Ceglie, Environmental Services Aide
• Grant Waymouth, Central Patient Scheduling & Registration Clerk
• Jenna Fiorini, RN, Emergency Department
• Jenny Pidlubney, Team Leader, Emergency Department
• Jonathan Clarke, Respiratory Therapist
• Kali Robinson, Team Leader, ICU
• Kelly Dawson, Team Leader, Surgical Services
• Kim Bauer, RN, Emergency Department.
• Leanne Gray, Director, Human Resources
• Lee-Anne Murphy, RN, Med/Surg
• Lindsay Bishop, Manager, Surgical Services & MDRD
• Lorrie McManus, Nurse & Technician, OR
• Marilyne Gagnon, Lead Hand, Environmental Services
• Miranda Ralph, Activation Coordinator
• Pauline Pearsall, Senior Lab Technologist
• Sheila Quinton, RN, Emergency Department
• Tristin Sutherland, Med-Surgery

Team Nominations

• Infection Prevention and Control Unit
• OPSEU Paramedical Bargaining Team
• Ontario Telemedicine Network Team
• Transitional Care Unit
• Emergency Department, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital

Past recipients are also posted on the MAHC website.

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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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Committed to fostering a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, MAHC strongly encourages applications from individuals and groups who are currently underrepresented.

Serving as a volunteer Director at MAHC offers a unique opportunity to contribute strategic leadership during an exciting period of transformation for the organization. The skills-based Board provides governance oversight, ensures financial accountability, and supports MAHC in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to the communities it serves.

“Joining the MAHC Board is a chance to make a lasting impact on local healthcare,” says Carla Clarkson-Ladd, Chair of the Nominations Committee. “We are seeking individuals who bring diverse perspectives, strong leadership skills, and a passion for community service to help guide the future of healthcare in Muskoka and area”.

Directors are appointed for up to a three-year term and are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours per month to meeting preparation, committee participation, and Board-related activities. Board and standing committee meetings typically alternate between the Huntsville and South Muskoka hospital sites, with some meetings held virtually.

Recruitment is open to individuals aged 18 and older who live, work, or are registered on a municipal voters’ list or tax roll within the Muskoka or East Parry Sound region. Prior experience on boards or committees with similar scope and complexity, though not necessarily in healthcare—is considered an asset. A police criminal record check is required.

For those who may not be ready to commit to serving as a full Board Director, MAHC encourages individuals to consider applying as a Committee Appointee Member (CAM) on a Standing Board Committee. CAM appointments are for a one-year term and are renewable. Committee Appointee Members are asked to commit approximately three to five hours every two months to prepare for and attend meetings. Standing Committees that may include CAMs are the Resources & Audit Committee, the Quality & Patient Safety Committee, and the Governance Committee.

The application deadline is March 9, 2026. To learn more about this rewarding volunteer leadership opportunity and to apply, visit Become a Board Member | Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Transitional beds play a critical role in the healthcare system by allowing patients who no longer need acute care to wait and get stronger in a location more suited to their needs. This model supports recovery and rehabilitation, lowers the number of patients designated as Alternate Level of Care (ALC) in hospital, and frees up acute care beds for those who need them most—ensuring the right care in the right place at the right time.

“This partnership with Granite Ridge Retirement Residence is an important step in strengthening our system of care across Muskoka,” said Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. “Transitional beds help patients continue their recovery in a more appropriate setting while allowing our hospitals to focus on delivering acute care to those who need it most. This collaboration reflects our commitment to working with community partners to improve access, flow, and patient experience.”

Granite Ridge Retirement Residence is proud to support this initiative and collaborate with MAHC to provide patient-centered care close to home.
“We are honoured to partner with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare to support the introduction of transitional care beds at Granite Ridge,” said Jackie Payne, Director of Operations at Granite Ridge Retirement Residence. “These beds will allow individuals to continue their recovery and rehabilitation in a supportive environment while helping to ensure hospital resources are available for those who need acute care.”

MAHC is thankful for the ongoing strong and valued partnership shared with Hospice Muskoka (Andy’s House), where the beds were previously located. MAHC shared last year that the transitional bed partnership would be coming to an end; this evolution will allow MAHC to support new areas of community needs, while continuing to work closely with existing partners.

Donna Kearny, Executive Director of Hospice Muskoka, shared the following statement:
“Hospice Muskoka looks forward to continued collaboration with MAHC, with referrals to Andy’s House for people requiring end-of-life care and ongoing partnership around the Andy’s House at Home Program to support people receiving palliative care at home. Our shared goal is a future where pain and symptom management can be provided to people in Muskoka and the surrounding area without the need for emergency room visits.”

The new partnership with Granite Ridge underscores MAHC’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and innovation to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Muskoka and surrounding communities.

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One of the largest private transfer companies in Ontario, RNR Patient Transfer Service Inc. is providing timely access for patient care needs through non-urgent transportation as determined necessary by the care team.

This dedicated transportation service has been operating Monday through Friday since mid-May, improving efficiency of patient transfers between the Bracebridge and Huntsville sites and elsewhere through a vehicle solely dedicated to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s patients’ needs.

From June 1 to mid-July, the dedicated transfer vehicle has completed 34 booked transfers. Of these 34, 71% have been from South Muskoka with the other 29% being from Huntsville.

“We are excited to be a part of the MAHC community and are hopeful that we can become more accessible and available to make things easier for the hospitals’ staff and also support the residents of Muskoka,” says Colin Knox, Operations Manager for RNR Patient Transfer Services Inc. “Our goal is to provide reliable, compassionate service that enhances the overall patient experience and helps streamline care delivery across MAHC’s catchment area.”

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The grand opening marks the culmination of a long journey to bring MRI services to Muskoka, including a $10 million fundraising campaign by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation to purchase the new machine and fund the building addition. Only hours before the ribbon cutting, Huntsville resident Ben Osorio had an MRI scan of his left knee, describing himself as lucky to be the first patient scanned by the state-of-the-art imaging tool.

The new MRI service will connect more people to the care they need closer to home, says Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO at MAHC, adding the grand opening is a testament to what happens when vision meets collaboration and partnership, amazing philanthropy, advocacy and leadership, and government support.

“This journey started more than five years ago with an application to the Ministry of Health to provide MRI services alongside our District Stroke Centre in Muskoka,” says Harrison. “I am so happy that Muskoka is among the first of the 49 new MRI machines the Ontario government is adding across the province, alongside our District Stroke Centre in Huntsville. Our clinical teams, physicians, and radiologists now have access to a powerful diagnostic tool that will reduce wait times, improve patient outcomes, and support timely, local care. No more long drives out of the region. No more delays in diagnosis. This MRI is changing the game, and I want to thank everyone who made this possible.”

The new local MRI service in Muskoka is transformational to healthcare access, saving over 7,000 hours behind the wheel for patients, and sparing more than 700,000 kilometres of travel to hospitals outside of our region for an MRI. In fact, some local patients with requisitions on file in Orillia are being contacted to have their MRI completed locally, in Muskoka.

It is anticipated that the new machine will complete 5,000 MRI scans locally every year.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the new MRI machine now up and running in Parry Sound-Muskoka,” says Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “This milestone is a testament to our government’s commitment to strengthening rural healthcare and to the generosity and dedication of our local donors and community partners. Their support has been invaluable in making advanced medical imaging accessible right here at home. Faster diagnoses and better care for everyone in Parry Sound-Muskoka are now within reach. I’m proud we delivered on this promise and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”

Katherine Craine, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, also reinforces how essential community support has been with 2,460 donations from residents, businesses and community groups from South River to Orillia and Haliburton to Parry Sound in only three years.

“We are forever grateful for the investment you’ve made in healthcare, here,” says Craine. “We are really fortunate to live in a region that is so incredibly supportive of healthcare and our hospital.”

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Weekly meetings are taking place with Ontario Health and internal teams to actively review challenges, explore solutions, and monitor system capacity and patient safety. We are also maintaining open lines of communication with the Ministry of Health to better understand the path forward.

“We know how important local access to labour and delivery services is to the families of Muskoka,” says Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO. “We remain committed to ensuring safe, high-quality obstetrical care for all residents of Muskoka, both now and into the future.”

While emergency care can be accessed at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) Site, all labour and delivery services continue to be provided at the HDMH Site during this temporary transition.

“This is a challenging but necessary step to protect patient safety,” says Dr. Sheena Branigan, Chief of Obstetrics. “Our teams are engaged in thoughtful planning, and I’m optimistic that this collaborative process will help shape a strong and sustainable future for obstetrical care in our region.”

MAHC anticipates having more information to share in the coming weeks.

For any questions about your care plan, please contact your healthcare provider. For general updates, please visit www.mahc.ca or follow them on social media.

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