Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gravenhurst health hub?
Gravenhurst Health Hub is a comprehensive health facility designed to meet the needs of the local community through a range of medical services. We prioritize patient-centered care, ensuring that individuals have access to a variety of health resources in one location. Our facility includes both preventative and curative services, fostering a holistic approach to wellness.
The hub will house a diverse team of health professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality care. From primary care physicians to specialists, the health hub will be equipped to address various health concerns, emphasizing collaboration among providers to create tailored treatment plans.
In addition to medical services, Gravenhurst Health Hub will offer educational programs and workshops aimed at promoting health literacy and preventive care strategies. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to make informed health decisions.
Our commitment to community health extends beyond the walls of the hub. We actively engage with local organizations and health initiatives, striving to improve the overall well-being of the population we serve. By fostering a supportive environment, Gravenhurst Health Hub aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
What is cottage country family health team?
Cottage Country Family Health Team is an organization with a staff of interdisciplinary health care providers offering programs and services to affiliated primary care providers. They are partners with patients in the delivery of care. Their team is responsive to the specific needs of the communities they serve in an environment conducive to Continuous Quality Improvement, Teamwork and the Highest Standards of Practice in promotion of Health and Wellness. They have locations in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Whata Mohawk Territory. There are 26,000 patients served by 22 primary care providers and an interprofessional care team providing care across these locations.
What is the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst and Why are they involved?
The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization with charitable status that has a long history of supporting the local community through fundraising initiatives and service projects. The club has played a major role in projects such as Rotary Rocks the Barge, student bursaries, youth mental health programs, weekly bingo, and an online auction.
Recognizing the urgent need for accessible healthcare in Gravenhurst, the Rotary Club has stepped up as the lead fundraiser and a key partner in bringing the Gravenhurst Health Hub to life. After hearing a presentation from the Cottage Country Family Health Team (CCFHT) about the vision for the Health Hub, Rotary committed to supporting this initiative, making it their primary fundraising focus.
The funds raised will help support the development of the Health Hub, including renovations, equipment, and recruitment efforts. Their involvement not only provides financial resources but also helps build community engagement and advocacy for better healthcare services in Gravenhurst.
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How did this project start?
The Gravenhurst Health Hub project began in response to a growing healthcare crisis in the community. With more than 6,000 residents on a waitlist for a primary care clinician, many were left without access to timely specialist referrals, diagnostic imaging, and essential medical tests. As the population of Gravenhurst continued to grow and age, wait times for healthcare services stretched for weeks or even months, forcing residents—especially seniors—to travel to Bracebridge, Huntsville, or Orillia for urgent care, often facing overcrowded emergency departments.
Recognizing the urgent need for accessible, local healthcare, community leaders, healthcare providers, and local organizations came together to develop a solution. The Gravenhurst Health Hub was envisioned as a comprehensive, multi-service facility that would bring primary care, specialists, diagnostic imaging, and urgent care under one roof—ensuring residents could receive the care they need close to home. This project is the result of a shared commitment to improving healthcare access, dignity, and quality of life for the people of Gravenhurst.
What services will the Gravenhurst Health Hub provide?
The Gravenhurst Health Hub is being designed to be a comprehensive healthcare facility that brings essential services under one roof, making it easier for residents to access the care they need close to home. Planned services include:
Primary Care – Family doctors and nurse practitioners providing routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
Specialist Consultations – Visiting specialists from major health networks, offering care in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, geriatrics, and more.
Urgent Care & After-Hours Clinic – A dedicated space for walk-in patients needing non-emergency medical attention, reducing the burden on hospital emergency rooms.
Diagnostic Services – On-site imaging (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound) and laboratory testing to improve access to timely diagnoses.
Mental Health & Wellness Support – Access to mental health therapists, social workers, and counseling services to support emotional well-being.
Rehabilitation & Allied Health Services – Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services to support recovery and mobility.
Community & Wellness Programs – Health education, fitness programs, and resources to promote overall well-being.
How can people get involved?
A community-centered approach is essential for the development of the Gravenhurst Health Hub. Here are several ways individuals can get involved:
Public Consultations: Attend local public meetings to voice opinions and give feedback, contributing to shaping the services offered at the hub.
Surveys and Feedback: Participate in surveys designed to gather community needs, ensuring that the health hub reflects the priorities of Gravenhurst residents.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer to assist us with community outreach initiatives, , or events hosted by the health hub.
Health Committees: Consider becoming a member of advisory committees focused on health and wellness, fostering collaboration among community members and health professionals[MB1] .
Partnerships: Local businesses, organizations, and groups can establish partnerships with the health hub, promoting wellness initiatives and resources to a broader audience.
Advocate: to the local governments and the province to support the development of our Health Hub through capital grants and ongoing funding for recruitment, program and services.
Donate: Every donation, big or small, will help bring this vision to a reality and we will provide you with a charitable receipt that can help reduce your taxes.
How does this align with the provincial vision for primary care and the work of Dr. Jane Philpott?
The Gravenhurst Health Hub aligns with Ontario’s provincial vision for primary care by improving access to integrated, team-based care, a key priority in health system transformation. The Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) model emphasizes better coordination across primary care, mental health, hospital services, and community-based care—principles reflected in the hub’s design. By bringing together family physicians, specialists, allied health professionals, and diagnostic services under one roof, the hub supports seamless, patient-centered care, reducing reliance on emergency departments and enhancing chronic disease management.
Dr. Jane Philpott, a former federal health minister and current health system leader, has advocated for scaling up team-based primary care models to address provider shortages and ensure every Ontarian has access to a primary care provider. Her work has emphasized interdisciplinary teams and hub models, where nurse practitioners, social workers, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers collaborate to meet diverse patient needs. The Gravenhurst Health Hub reflects this vision by expanding primary care capacity and leveraging an interdisciplinary approach to reduce the burden on solo practitioners while increasing provider retention and recruitment.
What is being done to recruit primary care providers and how will the Health Hub assist with this recruitment?
Addressing the severe shortage of primary care providers in Gravenhurst is a central goal of the Health Hub. Currently, over 6,000 residents lack access to a family physician, a crisis that directly impacts health outcomes and emergency room congestion.
To recruit and retain primary care providers, the Health Hub is taking the following steps:
Creating an Attractive Practice Environment
The hub offers a team-based model, allowing physicians to work alongside nurse practitioners, mental health workers, pharmacists, and specialists, reducing their workload and administrative burden.
On-site diagnostic imaging and lab services enhance efficiency, making it easier for providers to manage patient care in one location.
Integrated electronic medical records (EMRs) support seamless communication between providers.
Financial and Professional Incentives
Compensation models that allow for blended funding, including salaried positions, capitation models, or fee-for-service with additional support.
Support for continuing medical education (CME) and professional development opportunities.
Physician Recruitment Initiatives
Active recruitment of new graduates from Ontario medical schools and internationally trained physicians.
Engagement with the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) to attract medical trainees for rural placements, encouraging them to stay long-term.
Working with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) to secure recruitment funding and incentives.
Partnerships and Community Support
Collaboration with the Cottage Country Family Health Team (CCFHT) to strengthen physician recruitment efforts.
Engagement with local businesses, municipalities, and the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst to create relocation incentives, housing support, and spousal employment opportunities for incoming providers.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance & Retention Strategies
The hub’s interdisciplinary model allows family physicians to focus on complex cases while delegating routine care to nurse practitioners and allied health staff.
A strong professional support network reduces burnout, making long-term retention more likely.