MEDIA RELEASE

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Feb 24, 2015 - Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the
MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2015

Delegation Meets with Minister of Health and Long-term Care to Discuss Hospital Services in Bracebridge and Huntsville BRACEBRIDGE, ON – On February 23, 2015, Mayor Graydon Smith, together with Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison and Mayor Donald Furniss from the Township of Muskoka Lakes, met with Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to discuss hospital services in Bracebridge and Huntsville. In a briefing note prepared by the Town of Bracebridge, Mayor Smith reinforced with the Minister that the continued delivery of acute care services at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge is crucial to the long-term sustainability of the community and the continued provision of adequate health care services for the residents of the Town. On behalf of the residents of Bracebridge, Huntsville, Muskoka Lakes and the entire Muskoka region, the Mayors re-confirmed the importance of, and support for, the continued delivery of a full range of emergency, inpatient and surgical services at both the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. Specifically, the Minister was urged to: 1.

ensure that the changes to the health care delivery system currently being implemented to improve hospital efficiency do not negatively impact access to services and the quality of care;

2.

ensure that the changes undertaken recognize the unique and important role that smaller hospitals, such as the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital have in promoting economic development and creating sustainable communities in Ontario; and

3.

take appropriate steps to ensure the continued delivery of a full range of emergency, inpatient and surgical services at both the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.

Mayor Smith stated, “we had a productive meeting with the Minister of Health and Long-term Care. We had representatives from Bracebridge, Huntsville and Muskoka Lakes in the meeting and talked about the challenges that are facing our local hospitals. The Minister was quite receptive to hearing about those challenges and understood the issues presented. As a doctor himself, the Minister brings a unique perspective to the conversation. He is committed to working with our area to make sure that future health care is as good as it can be.” Mayor Smith also commented, “I think we had a sympathetic ear. Although I can’t speak for the Minister, it was certainly clear that he listened very intently to our concerns and was well aware of the local situation. The Minister was committed to helping in some way.” Mayor Smith and the other Mayors committed to staying in regular contact with the Minister of Health and Long-term Care. The delegation expressed their appreciation to the Minister for his openness and insights regarding the delivery of hospital services in Bracebridge and Huntsville. - 30 For further information contact: Mayor Graydon Smith – (705) 645-3253 Email: [email protected] About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 16,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.