CareLink Health Transit

CareLink is a non-urgent medical transportation service, operated in Chatham-Kent by Community Support Service (formerly known as CHAP), to ensure people are able to access health services in their community. CareLink vehicles are fully accessible. Each can accommodate up to 5 passengers at a time, including 2 passengers using wheelchairs. Fares vary based on requested destination and include one stop. Additional destinations and lengthier drives may be provided for an additional cost.

Eligible passengers are:

• older adults age 60+ or adults with disabilities 18+ travelling for a medical appointment;
• ambulatory and/or able to operate their mobility devices/transfer with minimal assistance.

Our drivers are not trained caregivers and are unable to lift passengers or enter residences. If a passenger requires assistance due to health or safety concerns, a family member or caregiver over age 18 must accompany them, free of charge. For more complex transportation needs, our team will help connect you with one of our community partners.

Referrals are welcome from community partners, healthcare providers, family, friends, or self. To initiate a referral or inquire about services, please phone 519-354-6221 ext. 246 or email tmartin@familyservicekent.com. Referral criteria can be found here.

To book a non-urgent medical drive, please phone the Transportation Call Centre at 519.354.6221 ext. 242 and leave a voicemail with the details of the drive. A Transportation Coordinator will return your call within two business days, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A minimum of one weeks notice is requested when booking drives. Urgent/same-day drives may be provided as availability allows.

New – Transportation service requests can be done online! All online requests must be submitted at least 1 week in advance of the drive. Submitting a request online is not a booking guarantee. One of our Transportation Coordinators will contact you within 2 business days to follow up on your request. Please do not use the online request form for cancellations or to make changes.

Forms

Find our Service Registration Form here.

Find the CHAP-CareLink Transportation Fares here.

Additional Resources

• Homeward Bound is a free Canadian Red Cross service for older adults over the age of 60 that are returning home from a hospitalization, including an ER trip. Eligibility criteria apply and clients may receive up to 4 visits. Services include a ride home from hospital, some frozen meals, light housekeeping assistance, and referrals to other community agencies. Please contact 519.352.8839 to initiate a referral or more information.
• Non-emergency transfer services for people with stable, non-urgent health conditions who require stretchers, please contact CareLink’s Non-Urgent Stretcher Transportation Service at 1.855.728.1433 or 519.728.1435.
• For non-emergency transfer services for people who may require more complex transfers including stretchers, chair lifts, oxygen or medical monitoring, please contact Voyago at 1.855.942.4400 or 519.455.1390.
• If grocery delivery services are required, please contact our community partner NeighbourLink at 519.352.5647.
• For information about Ride CK Specialized Transit please call 3-1-1.