Does your hospital provide patient transportation?

[mshultz]

At least 2 hospitals in this area provide free patient pick up and delivery for outpatient procedures. I used to think this was standard practice, until I realized we have the largest Amish population in the country (they do not drive).

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

None provided here unless you consider senior transport. Other than that its cab, family or friend.

[begalli]

I know our Interventional Radiology department does. The transportation is provided for those who need procedures such as cardiac cath and have no one who can bring them or pick them up. We do not allow patients to drive themselves after these procedures or even leave alone in a cab.

Other departments, such as endoscopy probably have this type of service as well.

It is at no cost to the patient but frequently they share their ride with someone from their area and often have to wait long periods of time while their ride-mates recover from their procedure.

[debbyed]

I believe somewhere in the past the hospital provided cab vouchers for truely needy people. Accident victums with no family, Pt's who arrived via ambo who's significant other was too old to drive at night and our large population of Orthodox Jewish folks who may still get sick on Fridaynight/Saturday day.

Now ALL our Frequent flyers, drug seekers, homeless people demand cab vouchers. "It's my right" I tell you I am really tired of it. It just seems like there are so many people out there that think you owe them something whether it be a meal or cab fare. I just have to wonder when the ER became the Hotel, Resturant and free transportation place. We have people who know where each ambo/hospital catchment area is. They'll call 911 to get to our hospital because they live across the street. They come in the ambo door, get put in a room that walk right out the front door. When asked what they're doing they will freely admit "I needed a ride home"

Sorry, I'll get off my soap box now. I really should go to bed, cause I'm really, really tired.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

No we do not.

But there are services here in town that do and we can make referrals.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

They'll call 911 to get to our hospital because they live across the street. They come in the ambo door, get put in a room that walk right out the front door. When asked what they're doing they will freely admit "I needed a ride home"

Now, that's a special kind of chutzpa!