April 1 marks the start of a new fiscal year for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare and a new operating budget for 2022-2023. Through additional government financial support, the organization’s financial health has never been better. At the same time, hospital operations have never been more challenged from the human resources perspective.
As the COVID-19 virus continues to circulate in our
communities even as we see restrictions and public health mandates being lifted, our staff are getting sick or must isolate at home because of a potential
exposure. Members of our communities continue to require hospital care, and
inpatient occupancy consistently remains above 100%. In addition, since March
29 we have been grappling with a COVID outbreak within one of our sites. This
is not only concerning but also puts immense strain on our staff.
In life we are being encouraged to get back to the way
things used to be in many ways, however the impact of the pandemic on the health
care system has only grown more taxing and challenging with wave after wave fatiguing
those on the front line of care. As COVID surges in the community, experts are calling
this latest stage a “tidal wave” with estimates that Ontario is seeing 100,000
to 120,000 new daily cases.
Every day at MAHC we feel the impacts of the ongoing
pandemic with staffing challenges in many areas where we are working through staffing
absences on a day-to-day basis. Throughout departments and different care areas
our people are stretched thin and are working short in both hospitals.
Over the past two years, we have seen health care workers
leave MAHC – approximately 10% of our workforce has departed for different
opportunities, for a total change of career or for well-deserved retirement. Recruitment
of new team members to fill vacancies and much-needed new positions has been
difficult to say the least, especially if positions are temporary or part time.
Today there are more than 80 career opportunities posted
on our website, predominantly in nursing, but also in many allied health professions.
The health care attrition is especially concerning as Muskoka gears up for
cottage season when there is greater demand for hospital services with an
influx of residents in the area. Summer staffing levels will be difficult to
achieve with an already unstable workforce across two hospital facilities.
All of these hardships mean careful and prudent decision
making with respect to the services we can provide safely to our communities.
In extenuating circumstances of staffing shortages, operating changes have to
be made, such as reducing surgical activity to be able to redeploy staff to care
for admitted patients. We know how difficult this is for those awaiting a
procedure and we apologize for the delay in your care.
As a last resort, and only in a very dire situation, service
changes could require temporarily siting a program or service at only one hospital
until normal staffing can be resumed. Should these measures be required, please
be patient with us and remember these actions are necessary to provide safe,
quality care and to be here when our community needs us.
We can all play a role in supporting the health care
system and staying safe. We support public health advice to continue wearing a
mask indoors, washing your hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings and getting vaccinated.
We support minimizing risks to our staff and patients with COVID vaccine
policies and screening practices. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and healthy
summer. Please help us by doing your part.
