The Muskoka Padel community has grown to nearly 200 members, fostering active
lifestyles, and a shared passion for this exciting new activity in Muskoka. This August the
group participated in a tournament on seven courts which they treated as a fundraiser for
our local hospital.

“The Muskoka Padel tennis community appreciate how hard working and dedicated the
team is at our local Bracebridge Hospital and were keen to support it through the group’s
philanthropy.” Andrew Sheiner, local cottage owner who brought the community together
and spearheaded the fundraiser on behalf of the hospital.”

The group raised a total of $38,841.00 for local health care.

“We are so grateful to the Muskoka Padel community for turning their passion for this
sport into support for our hospital. Their generosity not only strengthens local health care
but also reflects the incredible spirit of what our community can achieve when we come
together, something that truly makes Muskoka special.” Kathryn Devlin, Director of
Philanthropy, South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

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Community members attended to advocate for their concerns regarding Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s Made-In-Muskoka healthcare system plans.

Attendees held signs and signed petitions.

“Today’s rally is just another demonstration of the communities commitment to their doctors, nurses and support staff,” said Jason Cole, Vice Chair of the Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee. “Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee, is committed to the model that our doctors support. We will continue to advocate day in and day out until the doctors and the communities they live in are heard.”

The new healthcare system will result in service changes at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.

In an open letter penned in January, a number of physicians also expressed concerns regarding negative patient outcomes associated with hospital transfers, and the recruitment and retention of medical professionals.

The post Save South Muskoka Hospital Rally appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The current model put forth for Huntsville and Bracebridge is flawed in a number of ways,” said Jason Cole, Vice Chair of the Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee. “While I understand the need to adopt new methods for delivering healthcare, the current leadership of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) are skewing the results when delivering this model to the public.”

Cole – who is also a full-time firefighter, realtor, and construction business owner in Bracebridge – cited a number of concerns with MAHC’s current plans, which sees reduced inpatient capacity at South Muskoka by almost 70%.

“A large portion of what they want to do here depends on transportation between the two hospitals. Transportation that we do not currently have nor have any plans for. Also, both hospitals are overcapacity for a majority of days of operation, and yet in their new model they plan to reduce the beds in Bracebridge that are already full. While they’re touting new and innovative ways in healthcare and how we deliver it, those processes just aren’t here yet.”

MAHC’s new Made-In-Muskoka Healthcare system says it is the “healthcare system of the future”. It will result in service changes at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.

In an open letter penned in January, a number of physicians also expressed concerns regarding negative patient outcomes associated with hospital transfers, and the recruitment and retention of medical professionals.

“With this significant reduction of inpatient services, sick patients will need to be frequently transferred out of South Muskoka as there will be minimal capacity to care for patients locally. This will lead to poor patient outcomes and significantly worsens the quality of medical care for the citizens of South Muskoka,” reads the letter.

For more information about the Save South Muskoka Hospital rally, visit: https://ssmh.ca/.

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As Linda fought a courageous four month battle with cancer, her determination to leave a
legacy and maintain a positive outlook was incredible.

At the time of Linda’s passing, her personal appeal letter had generated over $90,000 in
donations, and the Foundation team was able to share this news with Linda via video
message. Her sister Lorraine shared that Linda hoped the donations would surpass
$100,000. The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce that Linda’s story inspired over $260,000 in donations to the South Muskoka Hospital as of December 31st.

“We want to say thank you, to both Linda and Lorraine, for sharing your experience, inspiring us, and reminding us of what excellent healthcare we have, close to home.” says South Muskoka Hospital Foundation Development Officer, Kathryn Devlin.” And thank you to you, our community, for helping Linda achieve and surpass her goal. “
Linda, you did it. And your legacy lives on.

Read Linda’s full story here: Patient Stories – South Muskoka Hospital Foundation
(healthmuskoka.ca)

Linda Hazel May Matthews Obituary 2023 – Reynolds Funeral Home – Turner

The post “Linda’s Last Wish” 5th Generation Muskokan Linda Matthews (Etler) Leaves A Legacy appeared first on Muskoka411.

The outbreak lasted eight days, and in total 17 patient cases and nine staff cases were attributed to the outbreak. Outbreak status is lifted when transmission is under control and no further cases are unexpectedly detected.

Visiting to the hospital has resumed 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. Visitors must wear a mask at all times in the building, and those who fail screening for infectious symptoms are reminded they are not permitted to visit loved ones. Before visiting the hospital, visitors should always contact the nursing team to verify the visiting status for a patient.

Despite the outbreak status being lifted, there are COVID-positive patients in hospital and others being monitored for exposure that while in isolation cannot have visitors unless approved by special circumstance.

“We appreciate the all of our team members who have worked very hard to contain this outbreak,” says President & CEO Cheryl Harrison. “As the holidays near and community prevalence of respiratory illness rises, everyone needs to stay vigilant and do everything possible to reduce the risk of infection. Staying home when you’re unwell, cleaning your hands often and getting vaccinated are the best ways to protect yourself.”

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“Our family, our team, and I’m sure many of our customers have had to use the South Muskoka Hospital over the years. It’s important to do our part to ensure they have the equipment they need, when they need it.” says owner Lorne Heise, “we’re proud to support health care for all.”

“We’re extremely grateful for the support from the Heat-Line team and family.” says Foundation Executive Director Leah Walker, “We now have over twenty businesses that have stepped up to support quality health care and hope both the businesses, and their customers, are proud of the difference they are making.”

To learn more about South Muskoka Hospital Foundation’s Business Partner Program, visit
www.healthmuskoka.ca/businesspartnerprogram

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A Registered Social Worker with more than 13 years of mental health and addiction experience, Desiree Reisenburg has been involved in nearly 200 patient interactions at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Huntsville District Memorial Hospital since commencing the Mental Health Navigator role in November.

“Mental health is an important component of overall health and wellness and we recognize the growing need for mental health supports in our community especially since the COVID-19 pandemic,” says President and CEO Cheryl Harrison.

MAHC Emergency Departments are here for people experiencing mental health crisis and coordinates transfer of patients to facilities that provide inpatient mental health care.

“This role is an opportunity to enhance in-the-moment supportive care with early intervention for those most in need,” says Harrison. “The Mental Health Navigator also develops discharge care plans to connect patients with community-based resources for safely returning home, including referrals to Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka-Parry Sound.”

Diane Brown-Demarco, Executive Director at Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka-Parry Sound is excited with the investments of new resources in our community.

“We continue to work in close partnership with MAHC to ensure we build capacity to meet the mental health and addictions needs of individuals we serve,” says Brown-Demarco.

Since introducing the Mental Health Navigator role, first responder partners in our community are lending voices of support to improvements to holistic mental health care.

“In our communities people who are suffering often call on the police to help,” says OPP Constable Samantha Bigley. “Police officers attend and spend a good deal of time talking with those people and that is a conversation that often ends with a trip to the hospital. Knowing that our local hospitals have a Mental Health Navigator on the team gives officers confidence in making the decision, knowing that the person will be cared for and will have their needs met. The navigator makes the transition smooth and officers leave the interaction feeling satisfied that people are being cared for in the best way possible.”

The importance of supporting those with mental health injury/illness cannot be understated, and Muskoka’s paramedics witness the struggles of many in our communities first hand, adds Stuart McKinnon, Deputy Chief of Paramedic Services & Emergency Planning.

“Having a dedicated and knowledgeable mental health resource at MAHC to support patients brought in by paramedics provides them with quick access to the care they need, and has been a valuable addition to the health system in Muskoka,” says McKinnon.

Together with our partners, MAHC recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Week during May 1-7, 2023.

The post Mental Health Navigator Introduced In Muskoka’s Emergency Depts. appeared first on Muskoka411.

The outbreak lasted 10 days, and through outbreak management protocols including testing, four patient cases and one staff case were attributed to the outbreak.

“Sadly, two patients died and we offer our condolences to the family and friends affected by the loss of their loved one,” says President & CEO Cheryl Harrison. “With the holidays nearing, please consider using more layers of protection when out in public, including masking and maintaining physical distance indoors to stay safe and well. Vaccination also continues to be strongly recommended as an added layer to protect against severe illness.”

There are currently no units in outbreak at either of MAHC’s sites.

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As the unit is not under outbreak, only the impacted patients are unable to have visitors except for in approved special circumstances.

“Family has been notified of the current limitations on visiting and we appreciate their patience,” says President & CEO Cheryl Harrison.

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

The post South Muskoka Hospital Managing COVID Outbreak On Medical/Surgical Beds appeared first on Muskoka411.

The unit-specific outbreak lasted 18 days, and through outbreak management protocols including testing, 10 patient cases and five staff cases were attributed to the outbreak in total.

North Wing has reopened to visitors in line with MAHC’s visitation policy, currently at Phase 2 to allow two visitors per day between visiting hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. We remind our community that visiting inpatients may only commence after the inpatient has received a negative COVID-19 swab result. Please consider calling the care unit before visiting to ensure the patient is safe to have visitors.

Self-screening for COVID-19 by everyone entering the hospital is required at the entrance.

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