Contact(s)
Planning for Coordinated and Integrated Health Care in Muskoka
The Muskoka and Area Health System Transformation (MAHST) project is an ambitious initiative to help guide the redesign of the local health care system serving Muskoka and Area. It is an opportunity to reorganize local health care system and develop a plan to implement those changes.
The MAHST Council has been appointed by North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (NSM LHIN) to oversee a grassroots process that engages health, social services and community stakeholders to help develop recommendations to ensure the region's health care system is designed to meet the needs of the people who live in Muskoka and area, and best understand local needs.
The MAHST Council believes that planning for the future health care needs of Muskoka and Area needs to be done together by all those involved in our health care delivery system. The people living in this area; those visiting the region; doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses; area hospitals; local long-term care homes; and other health care providers need to be engaged to help shape how services are provided in the future. Local health care providers, patients and their families have told us that our current health care system has challenges and gaps:
- It is difficult to find our way or access the right care at the right time in the right place;
- Communication in general is poor for patients and care givers, and the system is confusing;
- The availability of programs and services is sometimes limited or not the same across Muskoka; and
- We need to make sure the whole system is sustainable to serve our communities now and in the future.
Data and research also tell us that Muskoka has a growing number of seniors, people living in poverty and individuals battling mental health and obesity. These factors will put additional pressure on our local health care system.
The way the health care system is designed and coordinated today will not be able to meet local needs in the future. We need to be proactive and ensure that the health services, programs and care is coordinated, organized and integrated better to meet these needs.
For more information on the MAHST project, please follow the link below:
Health Care and Hospital Services
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site, located in Bracebridge, includes 59 beds: 43 acute health care beds and 16 Complex Continuing Care beds. The hospital includes a 24-7 emergency department, an intensive care unit and a variety of outpatient programs and services.
A number of health professionals provide services to the community within medical clinics that offer family and specialty health care. Other health-related professionals offer massage therapy, dentistry and spiritual guidance.
Public Health
Looking for public health information about immunization, quitting smoking or other health related topics? Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for information and services.
Finding a Doctor
Health Care Connect is a program that helps you find a doctor or nurse practitioner if you don't have one. For more information, call 1-800-445-1822 or visit Health Care Connect.
Hospital
South Muskoka Memorial Hospital
75 Ann Street
Bracebridge, ON, P1L 2E4
Main Switchboard: 705-645-4400
Automated Attendant: 705-645-4404
Clinics
- Dental
- Doctors
- Home Care
- Mental Health
- Massage
- Chiropractors
- Naturopaths