Medical Transport Options for Social Workers and Discharge Planners: Which One Fits Your Patient?
Aurevia Patient Transfers | Non-Emergency Medical Transport in Toronto & GTA
You've done the hard work of getting a patient ready to leave. Then the ride home falls through, or the family books a vehicle that can't take someone who can't sit up. The discharge slips, the bed stays occupied, and you're back on the phone.
This guide is a quick reference for matching patients to the right kind of transport, and for knowing what a good stretcher transport partner should take off your plate.
Matching the patient to the transport
Patient's situation | Usually suitable |
Walks independently, sits comfortably, no help needed getting in or out of a car | Family car, taxi or rideshare |
Sits in a wheelchair for the trip but can't transfer into a car | Wheelchair-accessible van or stretcher transport |
Can't sit upright for the trip, needs hands-on help to transfer, or has stairs at the destination | Stretcher transport |
Needs active medical monitoring or treatment on the way | Ambulance or a medically staffed transfer service |
The common gap is the third row. A patient who looked fine for a wheelchair van on the ward may not manage a 40-minute drive seated, or the flight of stairs at home. If there's doubt, the nursing team's view on how the patient should travel is the best guide. Our article on when a rideshare isn't enough covers it in more detail for families.
Also worth seeing our detailed breakdown for wheelchair-accessible van VS stretcher transport, so you know exactly which one fits better a particular patient case.
Who pays, and when to tell the family
Private stretcher transport home is generally not covered by Ontario's government health coverage, and the family usually pays directly. Raising this early, ideally before the discharge date is set, prevents last-minute delays. Some families have private insurance that reimburses part of the cost. Our cost and coverage guide is a useful link to share.
We quote and take payment directly with the family, so you aren't in the middle of that conversation.
What we need from you to book
One form or one call covers it:
patient name, weight, unit and floor, and the discharge time window
destination address, plus any stairs, elevator or access details you know of
positioning needs or restrictions during the trip
oxygen or other equipment travelling with the patient
whether a family member will ride along
a contact for the family
What you should expect from us
A transport you arrange reflects on you. Here's what we commit to:
A fast answer. We respond within an hour during business hours to the online booking form, with confirmation of the time and crew.
Communication if anything changes. If timing shifts on our side, you and the family hear about it from us first.
No relay work for your team. Our crew checks in at the nursing station, takes the handover and any documents, and coordinates with the family or receiving facility directly.
Bed to bed. Two trained crew members, stair assistance included, and on-board oxygen available. The patient is brought inside and settled, or handed to staff at the receiving facility.
Short notice when possible. We accept same-day requests depending on availability, and we will tell you honestly if a time window can't be met.
Starting with one transfer
You don't need a contract to work with us. Many teams start with a single discharge to see how we communicate and coordinate, then keep our details on hand for patients who need a stretcher.
Book through our online booking form.
Phone: 437-870-8090 | Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm
Aurevia Patient Transfers provides pre-scheduled, non-emergency stretcher transportation across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
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