Following approximately 12 months of careful study, engagement and evaluation of three potential models for the future, the Capital Plan Development Task Force came to a recommendation for a Two Acute Sites preferred service delivery model.
In August 2018, the Task Force gave a presentation to the Board of Directors summarizing its work to date and its findings, supported by a Stage 1 Service Delivery Model report. The Task Force utilized a variety of data, reports and studies, as well as evaluation criteria to arrive at a final recommendation.
Following final deliberations, the Board endorsed the task force recommendation to support a Two Acute Sites model for the future in the Stage 1 Proposal. Learn more about the decision in our news release.
Two Acute Sites
The Two Acute Sites service delivery model includes a full range of emergency, inpatient and surgical services at each site, 61 more inpatient beds including a new stroke rehabilitation unit, and also proposes the addition of MRI technology. The Two Acute Sites model was recommended and ultimately endorsed because it:
- provides patient- and family-centered care
- aligns with North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care direction
- garners the greatest municipal support
- garners the greatest community support
- provides the best access to care
- ensures the viability of the acute care system across Muskoka and area
- provides a model that is nimble and can be flexible over time
- is positioned to meet the community's needs today and into the future
- addresses land use planning and site servicing issues related to facility development
It was further noted that ongoing consideration for the following must occur:
- the preferred model must remain flexible to accommodate future needs
- the plan will need to continue to be evaluated and refreshed at each stage of planning to ensure the future plan is based on evolving technology, best practice, system integration and community needs
- the funding formula must evolve to create financial sustainability
- the LHIN supports the proposed programs and services model
The Board's endorsement of the Two Acute Sites allows for the completion of Part A of the Stage 1 Proposal. Part A (a description of the programs/services over four planning horizons) will be submitted to the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN for review and comment.
Next Steps
The next step is for the Task Force to focus on Part B of the Stage 1 Proposal and the physical design of the Two Acute Sites model. The Task Force commenced this work to study the physical infrastructure (bricks and mortar) required to support the model in the fall of 2018. This work considers how the sites are built through new construction or renovation (or a combination), where they are specifically sited, and how the community will pay for its share. Once a thorough analysis has been completed, the Task Force will further recommend a preferred infrastructure option to the Board of Directors in 2019.
Once the Part B is completed in 2019, both Part A and Part B will be submitted to the Health Investment Capital Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for approval for MAHC to continue on to the next stage in the lengthy capital planning process.
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