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Stretcher Transportation in Ontario
Total Care Transport provides professional non-emergency stretcher transportation across Southern Ontario. Our two-person teams handle bed-to-bed transfers for patients who cannot sit upright during transport, serving hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement homes and private residences across Halton, Brampton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Etobicoke. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How Our Stretcher Service Works
From the moment you call us to the moment your loved one is settled at their destination, our team manages every step.
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Booking: Call us at 905-878-1170 or book online. Tell us the pickup location, destination, patient mobility needs and any equipment requirements. Same-day bookings are available.
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Arrival: Two trained driver-attendants arrive at the pickup location with the stretcher and all necessary equipment. We come to the patient, whether that is a hospital room, home bedroom or care facility.
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Transfer: We handle the full transfer from bed to stretcher, safely and with care. We can navigate stairs using a stair chair where elevator access is unavailable.
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Transport: The patient travels lying flat in our purpose-built stretcher vehicle. A trained attendant rides with the patient throughout the trip.
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Delivery: We transfer the patient from the stretcher to the bed or receiving surface at the destination and hand off directly to the care team or family.
Equipment on Every Stretcher Transfer
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Ambulance-grade stretcher
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Stair chair for buildings without elevator access
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Portable oxygen where required
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Safety restraints and transfer supports
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First aid kit and emergency equipment
Let us know at booking if your patient requires oxygen or has specific positioning needs and we will ensure the vehicle is properly equipped.
Who Needs Stretcher Transportation
Stretcher transport is appropriate for patients who cannot safely sit upright for the duration of a trip. Common situations include:
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Post-surgical patients being discharged from hospital
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Patients with spinal, orthopedic or neurological conditions
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Palliative and hospice transfers requiring lying flat
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Patients transferring between hospitals or care facilities
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Patients who have been assessed by a physician as requiring stretcher transport
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Bariatric patients requiring reinforced stretcher equipment
If you are unsure whether your family member needs stretcher or wheelchair transport, call us and we will help you determine the right service.
Hospitals and Facilities We Serve
We provide stretcher transportation to and from facilities across Southern Ontario. Key hospitals include:
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Halton Region: Milton District Hospital, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Georgetown Hospital
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Peel Region Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, Mississauga Hospital
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Kitchener-Waterloo and Wellington Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's General Hospital, Freeport Campus, Guelph General Hospital, Groves Memorial Hospital
We also serve long-term care facilities, retirement homes and private residences throughout our service areas.
Why do Families Choose Total Care Transport for Stretcher Transfers
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Two trained attendants on every trip, stretcher transfers are never a one-person job. Every trip includes two first aid certified driver-attendants.
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Bed-to-bed service, we come to the patient. You do not need to arrange transport to a lobby or entrance.
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20-vehicle fleet, stretcher vehicles available across all regions, no waitlisting.
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Mohawk Medbuy approved, vetted and contracted by Ontario's hospital procurement program, serving hospitals across the province.
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24/7 availability, day, evening, overnight and weekend transfers covered.
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Same-day bookings as we understand hospital discharge timing is not always predictable.
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20+ years of experience serving Southern Ontario since 2005.
Stretcher Transfer FAQ
What is the difference between stretcher transport and an ambulance?
An ambulance is for medical emergencies requiring paramedic intervention during transport. Stretcher transport is for patients who are medically stable but cannot sit upright and need to be transported lying flat. It is significantly less expensive than an ambulance and appropriate for the majority of non-emergency transfers.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, but same-day bookings are available based on vehicle availability. For planned transfers such as inter-facility moves or scheduled appointments, 24-48 hours notice is ideal.
Can a family member travel with the patient?
Yes. A family member or escort is welcome to ride along at no extra charge. Let us know at booking so we can ensure space.
What information do I need when I call?
Pickup address and specific location within the building (floor, room number), destination address, patient weight, any equipment requirements (oxygen), number of stairs and the patient's ability to bend, preferred pickup time and a contact number.
Do you provide oxygen during transport?
Yes. We carry portable oxygen on stretcher vehicles. Let us know at booking that oxygen is required and confirm the flow rate if known.
Is stretcher transport covered by OHIP or insurance?
It depends on the type of transfer. We recommend confirming with your care team or insurer for your specific situation, but here is a general guide:
Hospital to hospital transfers are typically covered under OHIP when ordered by a physician as medically necessary. Your hospital's discharge planning team can confirm and arrange billing directly.
Long-term care to dialysis transportation from a long-term care home to dialysis appointments is typically covered. The LTC facility's care coordinator usually arranges this.
Hospital to home or home to facility transfers are generally not covered by OHIP. However there are programs that may help:
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iCare Transportation Fund - a provincial program providing funding assistance for eligible patients who cannot afford non-emergency medical transportation
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ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) - may cover transportation costs for eligible recipients attending medical appointments
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Extended health benefits - some employer and private health plans include medical transportation coverage. Check your policy or contact your insurer.
We provide receipts for all trips and can provide documentation to support insurance or program claims. If you are unsure what coverage you may have, call us and we will help point you in the right direction.