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Long Distance Medical Transportation
Total Care Transport provides non-emergency long distance medical transportation across Ontario. Whether you need to move a patient between cities, transfer between hospitals in different regions, or bring a family member home from a facility hours away, our trained driver-attendants handle the full journey with the same standard of care as a local trip. Stretcher and wheelchair capable, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A long distance transfer requires more planning than a local trip. Here is how we handle it.
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Pre-trip coordination. When you call, we gather full details about the patient, origin facility, destination facility and any equipment or medical needs for the journey. For stretcher transfers we confirm oxygen requirements, positioning needs and stair access at both ends.
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Receiving facility notification. We coordinate with the receiving facility on arrival time so the care team is ready when we arrive. You do not need to manage both sides of the handoff.
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The journey. The patient travels in a purpose-built stretcher or wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a trained attendant for the full duration of the trip. Rest stops can be accommodated for very long transfers.
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Safe handoff at destination. We transfer the patient directly to the receiving care team or family at the destination address and confirm they are safely received before we leave.
Can a Family Member Travel With the Patient?
Yes. A family member or escort is welcome to ride along at no extra charge on long distance transfers. This is common and we encourage it for longer trips where the patient benefits from familiar company. Let us know at booking so we can plan seating.
Who Needs Long Distance Medical Transport
Long distance medical transport is appropriate in many situations including:
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Transferring a patient between hospitals in different cities or regions
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Moving a family member from a hospital to a long-term care home in another community
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Returning a patient home after a hospital stay in a distant city
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Inter-facility transfers between rehabilitation centres, hospices or retirement homes
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Patients traveling from Southern Ontario to Toronto specialty hospitals or back
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Family members arranging transport for a loved one when they cannot be there in person
If you are unsure whether your family member needs stretcher or wheelchair transport, call us and we will help you determine the right service.
Common Routes we Service
We regularly provide long distance transfers across Southern Ontario including trips between:
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Halton Region and Toronto
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Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton
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Halton Region and Kitchener-Waterloo
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Southern Ontario communities and Toronto specialty hospitals
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Any origin and destination across Ontario
If your route is not listed, call us. We cover all of Ontario for non-emergency medical transfers.
Why Families Choose Total Care for Long Distance Transfers
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Full journey management. We coordinate with both origin and destination facilities so you do not have to.
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Experienced crews. Long distance stretcher transfers are not the same as a short local trip. Our attendants are trained for extended transfers.
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Oxygen and equipment available. We carry portable oxygen and can accommodate specific positioning or equipment needs for longer journeys.
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Family can travel along. No need to arrange separate transport for the person accompanying the patient.
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24/7 availability. Long distance transfers often need to happen outside standard business hours.
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Mohawk Medbuy approved. Vetted and contracted by Ontario's hospital procurement program.
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20+ years of experience serving Southern Ontario since 2005.
Long Distance Transfer FAQ
How far will you travel for a medical transfer?
We cover all of Ontario for non-emergency medical transfers. Most of our long distance trips are within Southern Ontario but we handle longer transfers on request. Call us with your route and we will confirm availability and pricing.
How is pricing calculated for long distance transfers?
Long distance transfers are priced based on distance and the level of service required. Stretcher transfers with two attendants are priced differently from wheelchair transfers. Call us for a quote on your specific route. We provide clear pricing upfront with no surprises.
What if the patient needs to stop during a long transfer?
Rest stops can be accommodated on longer transfers. Let us know at booking if you anticipate needing a stop and we will plan the route accordingly.
Do you coordinate with the receiving hospital or facility?
Yes. We contact the receiving facility before departure to confirm arrival time and ensure the care team is prepared. This is standard practice on all long distance transfers.
Can you transport a patient on oxygen for a long distance transfer?
es. We carry portable oxygen on stretcher vehicles. Confirm at booking that oxygen is required and provide the flow rate if known. We will ensure the vehicle is equipped for the full journey duration.
Is long distance medical transport covered by OHIP?
Hospital to hospital transfers ordered by a physician are typically covered under OHIP. Other long distance transfers such as hospital to home or facility to facility are generally not covered. Programs that may help include the iCare Transportation Fund and ODSP for eligible recipients. We provide receipts and documentation for all trips.
Book Long Distance Transportation in Ontario
To book a long distance transfer call (905) 878-1170 or toll free 1-888-720-7256.
We serve: Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, Brampton, Mississauga, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Etobicoke and surrounding communities across Southern Ontario.