New brochure for patients on transportation costs

The Ministry of Health is now requiring acute care centres must provide a new brochure for patients being transported between facilities.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health made a decision stating that acute care centres in B.C. – including those at VCH – must distribute a Transportation Fee Brochure to patients who are moving between facilities.

There have not been any changes in fees and this brochure is designed to educate patients about the possible costs of transportation in healthcare situations.

Situations when a patient should be given a brochure include:

  • Each time a patient is transported by ambulance or alternate service provider to the hospital
  • Each time a patient is transferred between hospitals
  • Each time a patient is discharged from the hospital

The handout describes the fees that a patient may need to pay in the event they are transported by ambulance or alternate service provider.

Download the handout

The handout also provides information on some of the travel assistance programs available to them if they need to travel for medical care outside of their community. It’s available in English, Chinese, French, and Punjabi and can be downloaded here.

Please print these handouts and provide them to patients prior to their transfer with either BC Ambulance Service or the alternate service provider.

If you have any questions, please contact Lachlan Morrison, Patient Transport, Alternate Service Provider, BISS.