Van Transportation Program

In the early 90s, the Foundation funded a survey asking people to tell us what they thought were the most important health-related needs in their community.

The number one issue turned out to be transportation to medical appointments, both locally and to other health facilities in Kentville and Halifax. So, in the spring of 1995, the Foundation purchased a van and started a transportation service.

Ten years later, our Van Transportation Program, fully funded by the Foundation, is still making it easy for patients to get to their appointments outside of Annapolis West. Each month we make approximately 18 trips to Halifax, helping about 55 people get to where they need to go. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our Van Transportation Program.

Who can use this service?
You can, if:
- you live within the area served by the Annapolis Community Health Centre and
- your family physician is located in Annapolis Royal.

What if I don't live in the service area or have a doctor in Annapolis Royal?
You may still use the service if:
- the van is booked for other people in the service area, and
- there is an extra seat available.

How do I book a seat?
As soon as you know the date of your appointment, even if it is three or four months in the future, phone us at the Annapolis Community Health Centre and book your seat on the van.

Trips are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so it is important to call as soon as you know your appointment date! The Foundation number is 532-2381 and you can call anytime between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Where does the van pick me up and drop me off?
You'll be picked up at the Annapolis West Health Centre or on the route to Bridgetown. You'll be dropped off at the health facility where you have your appointment.

Do I have to wait long before or after my appointment?
The van is booked on an "as needed" basis and the scheduler tries to arrange the schedule each day to fit in as many people as possible. This means you may have to go a little early for your appointment or stay a while after in order to work around other people's appointments.

What time does the van leave and return to the AWHC?
The van does not leave Annapolis Royal before 7:00 am. It arrives in Halifax for 10:00 am or later appointments and prefers to leave Halifax no later than 3:30 pm.

What if my appointment is earlier or later than the van times?
IIf your appointment is earlier, you can arrange your van trip for the day before your appointment, and return home the day of your appointment. If it is later, you can go up the day of your appointment and return the next day.

What if I don't have a medical appointment myself and just want to go along with a friend, or simply want to visit in Halifax?
If you are a "helper" for someone with a medical appointment, the van will make provision to accommodate you. If you simply want to visit in Halifax, you are welcome to come along, but only if there is an extra seat on the van. If a patient needs your seat at the last minute, you will be bumped. If the day's medical appointments are cancelled, your non-medical trip will be cancelled as well.

What if I need transportation to an appointment within Annapolis County? Can I still use the service?
The Van Transportation Program is only for medical appointments outside Annapolis County. If you need transportation within the county, you can call the Trans County Transportation Society (TCTS) at 665-1212, or toll free at 1-877-305-7433. You can also reach them by e-mail at tcts@ns.sympatico.ca.

How much does the van transportation service cost?
The service is free, but since it costs about $900 a month to operate the van, we encourage you to make a donation to the Annapolis West Health Foundation to help us keep the program running. Of course we issue a tax receipt so you can deduct your donation on your income tax return.