Ombudsman on Medical Transfers

Ontario’s ombudsman is launching an investigation into non-emergency medical transfers.
Andre Marin says serious concerns have been raised about private companies that transfer hundreds of thousands of non-critical patients every year.
Marin says the vehicles aren’t ambulances, even though they often look like them, and aren’t regulated.
He says he’s received dozens of complaints from upset patients, their families and whistleblowers within the industry who feel that patient safety is being compromised.
The probe will examine whether the ministries of Health and Transportation are ensuring that adequate measures are in place to protect the public.
Non-emergency medical transfers have been a contentious issue in the Kenora District for years.