Among our top health care delivery goals is this seemingly simple proposition: provide the right care at the right time and at the right place. However, achieving that objective is not always as simple as it might seem. Research confirms what front-line health care workers already know: one of the biggest barriers to health care—and indeed to healthy, independent lifestyles—is the availability of suitable transportation.
Many Erie St. Clair residents live in rural areas where there is no public transportation, making getting around a challenge. We also recognize that some patients can’t afford the cost of private-sector transit, even where it is available. Making sure that all people, both in rural and urban areas, have access to transportation for medical appointments and treatments is a major priority for us.
The demand for affordable, wheelchair accessible transportation has been steadily increasing and, unfortunately, our transportation providers’ aging vehicles have not always kept pace with client needs. That’s why we invested $1 million last year in improved access to specialized health care transportation for Erie St. Clair residents. Because of that investment, our transportation providers were able to buy new vehicles.
CareLink Health Transportation
People all across Erie St. Clair are now better able to attend their medical appointments, no matter where they live, thanks to eight local transportation agencies coming together to form the CareLink Health Transportation. CareLink provides a single phone number (1-855-728-1433) that people can call to arrange local health transportation services. This helps residents to live fuller, more independent lives. That’s not just good for the health care system—it’s also good for patients and for their families. It’s an excellent example of how local health care planning and locally focused solutions are improving the health of residents in the Erie St. Clair region.
For more information about the Erie St. Clair LHIN, please visit:
www.eriestclairlhin.on.ca or contact
Andrew Tompsett, Lead Communications and Public Affairs
Erie St. Clair LHIN, at 519 351-5677 ext. 3209
or Andrew.Tompsett@lhins.on.ca
