Home

Town Office

Our Community

Business

Visitors

AHS Needs Hanna Drivers

Like other Alberta communities, Hanna has faced times without the services of ground ambulance and EMS Practitioners, ready and available to respond to local emergencies. At times, the ground ambulance must take patients to a specialist appointment or a diagnostic such as a MRI or CT Scan. This takes the ambulance away from the community leaving Hanna citizens vulnerable and puts undue stress on the health care workers.

As a result, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is seeking individuals and businesses to provide Non-Clinical Transfers (NCTs) for patients. This initiative aims to support healthcare facilities by ensuring that medically stable patients who do not require medical care during transport can reach their appointments or homes efficiently.

This program is crucial in freeing up ambulances and EMT’s to respond to emergencies.

What Are Non-Clinical Transfers?

Non-Clinical Transfers assist in transporting patients who are medically stable and do not require care during transport. These patients may have a diagnostic test outside of Hanna that has been booked by their primary care physician or they may be ready for discharge but lack transportation. AHS may cover the costs for patients who:

  • Require a vehicle different from their personal one (e.g., a van for accessibility needs).
  • Lack the financial resources for transport.
  • Have no available family, friends, or other transportation options.

Who Can Become an NCT Provider?

AHS is looking for licensed taxi operators, transportation network companies, individuals, and volunteers to help with patient transfers. To qualify, providers must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a valid and operational taxi license under the municipal bylaw; or
  • A current Certificate of Approval issued by Alberta’s Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services issued pursuant to the Transportation Network Companies Regulation (Alta Reg 100/2016) under the Traffic Safety Act.
  • Pass a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check.

How Does Payment Work?

  • AHS provides an AHS Transportation Approval voucher for each approved transfer.
  • Providers must complete the required information and submit an invoice to AHS.
  • Payments are processed within 15 days.

Additional Details

  • Patients cannot arrange this service themselves; all bookings must go through an AHS healthcare professional.
  • No additional stops are allowed during transport.
  • Patients may be accompanied by a family member or support person if needed.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in becoming an approved NCT provider, contact AHS for more information:

By participating in this initiative, providers will help ensure safe and reliable transportation for patients while supporting local healthcare services in Hanna.  FAQ’s, provided by Alberta Health Services can be downloaded and printed for your convenience.