WORLD-CLASS HEALTH CARE AT YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation Builds on the Past to Embrace the Future

People who cottage in Muskoka tend to expect the best from the region: excellent food, incomparable scenery, priceless peace. Why do they expect
these things? Because Muskoka always delivers.

When the best laid plans for a summer’s day go awry, as they sometimes will, it’s important for Muskokans to know that local health care is more than prepared to deliver, too. At South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH), that service is provided day-in, day-out by a team of world-class medical professionals working with cutting-edge technology.

South Muskoka Memorial Hospital is part of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) which provides emergency health care services and inpatient care at two hospital sites located in Huntsville and Bracebridge.  Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare has been awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, signifying the highest possible standard of performance. Doctors at both the Bracebridge and Huntsville hospital sites are sought out by Ontarians from all over the province.

As the days warm up every year, the population in the Muskoka region more than doubles, with more and more seasonal residents choosing to spend more and more
of their time here. And why not? But it’s important not to simply cherish Muskoka as your home away from home without also thinking of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital as your hospital away from home. Because when a medical emergency happens while you, your family, or your friends are at the cottage, SMMH is your first stop to getting help.

SMMH’s emergency department sees a significant uptick in visits during the summer months when, in addition to relatively minor injuries, they treat patients with serious and complex medical conditions, some of which may require emergency surgery. Approximately six out of every ten patients who come through the emergency department need some form of diagnostic imaging or additional testing, such as bloodwork, all of which is provided onsite at SMMH. And SMMH medical professionals are part of a tightly integrated network of health professionals across the province who mutually consult and share knowledge and expertise on unusual and complex cases, allowing more patients to avoid being needlessly transported to urban centres for treatment.

SMMH relies on the generosity of seasonal and year-round residents to recognize and support the vital work being done at the hospital to serve the Muskoka community. Rapid developments in new medical technologies make for a wish-list of equipment necessary to maintain the hospital’s high standard of excellence, efficiency, and patient care.

Supporting your hospital is an investment in people, in your future, and in life. It’s a way to make an impact in your community, today and tomorrow.

By the Numbers

SMMH’s Figures Tell an Important Story
The Emergency Department at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital sees approximately 22,000 patients each year, averaging 60 people every day needing emergency care in our community.

Your Stories

Each story is a treasure, and in sharing experiences, our whole community is enriched.

MARGO JAY
In 2015 I was admitted to SMMH with gallstone-induced pancreatitis. I was terrified. I did not have any idea what a hospital would look like in Bracebridge and was literally afraid that I might die. Then I met Dr. Gupta. He was kind, confident, and honest. Dr. Gupta felt the only relief I would get would be to put a stent in my pancreas. That was surgery number one. Dr. Gupta checked on me multiple times a day on his rounds and came back to the hospital on his days off to check my chart and talk to me. A few days later, we had no choice but to remove the gallbladder. I woke up from surgery to the kindest team of nurses. I cannot describe how loved I felt. Months later at a follow-up appointment in Toronto, my GI specialist was in awe of my story and the talent that exists in Bracebridge. This was not a “cottage hospital.” This was an acute health care centre.
– Margo Jay

Dr. Jessica Reid
The huge advantage of working in Muskoka is the ability to put in a long workday and then have great outdoor avenues for physical activity and mental health. My perfect day includes getting out on my road bike before I come to work. In the winter, my family and I hit the trail system on weekends, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In the summers, we like to paddle or boat around the lake in the evenings. In terms of the environment at the hospital, from an operating-room perspective, thanks to the support of generous sponsors and patrons, we’re able to offer all the facilities that you’d find in a larger centre, particularly with regards to endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. But I’d say the greatest strength of the hospital is the staff. Because of our size, everyone knows each other really well and works together seamlessly. We’re a pretty tight-knit team, and our patients benefit from that, as do we.
– Dr. Jessica Reid

DAVID RIDER
It was a weekend in early October, time to winterize the cottage as the season quickly comes to the end. We live on an island on Lake Muskoka. I was storing a boat in the boathouse when a gas line broke and spilled some gas on the floor of the boat. I was using a trouble light to see and the gas ignited. I suffered second-degree burns to my face and hands. Fortunately, the local marina operator saw the fire and came over and called for an ambulance. The ambulance met us at the marina and off we went to South Muskoka Hospital in Bracebridge. Upon arrival at emergency I was quickly attended to by the resident doctor. Pictures of my burns were taken and immediately forwarded to the burn clinic at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Instructions were received and the nurses and resident removed burnt skin, applied bandages and gave me pain killers. Upon returning to Toronto, I was admitted to Sunnybrook Burn Unit for two weeks of surgery and care. I was very impressed with the staff at South Muskoka as they were competent, caring, and quick to assess and bring together a team to look after me. It was my second visit to emergency at South Muskoka as I had previously spent almost a month there. I can’t say enough about the quality of care and the teamwork that is evident in this institution.
– David Rider

Current Needs–Can You Help?

The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation relies on the generosity of donors to purchase new or replacement equipment. It is a common misconception that all hospital needs are covered by your tax dollars.

The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation encourages our community to invest in the highest standard of health care, including everything from lifesaving equipment to health care education and urgent renovations and repairs. This year, we’ll invest over $1.5 million in new equipment.

The Emergency Department at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital sees approximately 22,000 patients each year, averaging 60 people every day needing emergency care in our community.

Sixty percent of those visits require some level of diagnostic testing or lab work. The Emergency Department is the cornerstone of our greatest needs, where we ensure the highest level of health care is available, today and tomorrow.

Generosity from people like you is what ensures we can be there when we’re needed.

If you are able to help, please contact Executive Director, Colin Miller, by phone or email at 705.645.4404 x3246 or [email protected] to discuss how you can support your cottage hospital.
TO DONATE: CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY
(705) 645-4404 x 3193 • www.HealthMuskoka.ca/DONATE