Hospital Discharge Transportation
Toronto and GTA
Safe Stretcher Transfers Home
When the Hospital Says
“Ready for Discharge”
Hospital discharge often moves quickly once a patient is medically cleared. Safe hospital discharge transportation must be arranged within the discharge window set by the facility, requiring timely coordination and appropriate mobility support.
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At this stage, the transfer plan must determine mobility requirements, equipment preparation, pickup timing, and destination access. Non-emergency stretcher transport ensures the discharge process proceeds safely, without delays or last-minute adjustments.
Understanding Timing & Booking
Hospital discharge transportation in Toronto is not an on-demand taxi service. Safe stretcher transfers require advance planning, crew allocation, and equipment preparation to ensure appropriate mobility support.
Aurevia operates on a pre-scheduled model, allowing us to:
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Confirm mobility level in advance
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Allocate a properly staffed two-person crew
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Prepare required equipment (stretcher, oxygen if prescribed, securement systems, and more)
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Coordinate directly with hospital discharge staff
Whenever possible, discharge transfers should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance once discharge is anticipated. Short-notice bookings are accommodated based on operational availability.
This planned approach supports patient safety, protects discharge timelines, and reduces preventable delays.
Discharge Timing, Dispatch & Waiting Policy
Hospital discharge timing can adjust due to physician sign-off, medication reconciliation, or bed availability. When significant changes occur, updates must be communicated before crew dispatch whenever possible.
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Once a crew has been dispatched or arrives on-site, waiting time charges may apply depending on the delay duration and operational impact. This ensures that crew allocation, scheduling commitments, and subsequent transfers remain protected.
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Minor timing adjustments are reviewed within existing scheduling capacity. Major discharge changes are managed through confirmed updates prior to dispatch to prevent unnecessary standby time or rushed transitions.
Our Structured Hospital Discharge Transfer Process
Every hospital discharge transfer follows a defined process. Clear steps reduce delays, miscommunication, and uncertainty.
1
Booking & Confirmation
We confirm hospital unit, destination, mobility level, prescribed oxygen (if applicable), and preferred discharge window.
2
Facility Coordination
We confirm pickup location and discharge readiness window with the hospital unit.
This prevents hallway waiting and reduces discharge delays.
3
Crew Preparation
The assigned two-person crew prepares stretcher configuration, securement systems, and required mobility supports prior to arrival.
Preparation happens before bedside contact — not during.
4
Safe Transfer & Securement
Controlled bed-to-stretcher movement.
Full stretcher locking and vehicle anchoring.
Monitored positioning throughout transport.
5
Arrival & Handover Confirmation
Coordinated entry.
Controlled unloading.
Safe interior positioning.
Documented handover confirmation.
Hospital to Home Transfers From Major GTA Hospitals
Aurevia provides pre-scheduled stretcher transportation for stable patients being discharged from hospitals across Toronto and surrounding GTA communities. Services are arranged directly by families, care facilities, or authorized representatives.
Families and care teams request transfers involving the following hospitals and health systems:
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University Health Network
Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret
Unity Health Toronto
St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre
Trillium Health Partners
Mississauga Hospital, Credit Valley Hospital
William Osler Health System
Brampton Civic, Etobicoke General, Peel Memorial)
Mackenzie Health
Cortellucci Vaughan, Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital​
Other facilities:
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Trauma Centre, Birchmount, Centenary, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital, and more.