Patient Transportation

Arranging for transportation home following an emergency visit, appointment, or hospital stay is every patient's responsibility. Friends and family members are generally the first choice for transportation following care, but HHHS recognizes that circumstances can arise when this may not be possible. The following information explains how patients and their families should plan for safe and timely transportation home. It also identifies alternative resources that may be available.

Upon Discharge to Home

'Home' is considered one's place of residence, and includes, but is not limited to: retirement home, long-term care facility, supportive housing, convalescent care, etc.

Please plan for transportation ahead of time with family or friends and tell a member of the patient's care team about these arrangements at least 24 hours in advance of the discharge date.

Discharges from HHHS occur no later than 10:00 AM and all patients should be ready to leave their room by this time. Patients may be asked to wait in the lobby or lounge if their transportation has not arrived before 10:00 AM so their room can be prepared for the next patient who needs it.

Subsidized Transportation Services

If friends or family are not available, the HHHS Transportation Program may be able to assist. The Program is delivered with support from the Central East Local Health Integration Network (Central East LHIN), which established the Home at Last program to support aging adults and adults with special needs.

Free of charge to those who are eligible, Home at Last helps transport and settle patients back in their home safely and comfortable after a hospital stay. A referral from a member of the health care team is required and would be arranged in collaboration with the patient and family. This program is a partnership between hospitals and community support services.

Private Transportation Options

The Haliburton County Community Transportation Hub offers additional information about transportation options. Please note that HHHS does not endorse one private sector provider over another. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I am an emergency patient and require a diagnostic test/procedure at another hospital, how do I get there?

While an emergency patient and if a diagnostic test (CT/MRI)/procedure is required at another facility (e.g. Ross Memorial Hospital, Peterborough Regional Health Centre), HHHS staff will arrange round trip transportation for the patient.

2. What happens if I don’t have a ride or do not have access to a car?

Your safety is our priority. If you are medically stable and do not require an ambulance to travel for your test, staff may ask if you have access to a ride or if you can drive yourself. If you have no access to transportation or feel you are not well enough to drive yourself, HHHS staff will arrange transportation for you.

3. After my test, how do I get home If I am admitted to another hospital?

The hospital you are admitted to will arrange transportation to your home when you are discharged.

4. Can my family come with me in the ambulance?

While having a trusted family member or friend accompany you is desirable, the decision is at the discretion of EMS (Emergency Medical Services). EMS considers the nature of the patient’s illness, available space in the vehicle, and safety considerations when making the decision.

5. Do I have to pay for transportation?

When you are a registered patient of HHHS taking HHHS-specific transportation (ie. Community Support Services van or ambulance), we will organize and pay for transportation to another treatment facility. Once discharged from another hospital, it is the responsibility of that facility to collaborate with the patient to arrange transportation home. There may be times when the patient is asked to pay for this service.

6. Looking for more information?

Please visit these helpful websites for additional resources, by copying and pasting the address into your browser directly.

• A Website Guide for Patients and Caregivers:
  cpso.on.ca/Public/Public-Information/Navigating-the-Health-System 
• A helpful resource for Patients and Caregivers:
  cpso.on.ca/admin/CPSO/media/Documents/public/public-information/coc-guide/coc-guide-patients-caregivers.pdf