REASONS FOR ESCORTS

Some patients need help while on medical travel. The rules are determined by Nunavut. OHSNI's understanding of who qualifies is:

A. The patient is a child and the airline requires an adult companion for the trip. One adult can act as escort for a group of children when appropriate.

B. The patient cannot sign a consent form and must have a parent or legal guardian with them to make decisions about treatment.

C. The patient has a mental or physical disability and cannot travel alone or without help.

D. Because the patient is traveling outside of Nunavut and needs an escort to interpret. [Note- OHSNI has interpreters available for patients on medical travel in Ottawa.]

E. A practitioner recommends that the client needs an escort to be part of the treatment program or to learn to care for the patient when they are at home.

F. A practitioner recommends that the client needs someone to provide emotional and physical support because the treatment will leave the client feeble or unable to look after themselves.

OHSNI’s ROLE with escort travel

OHSNI does not approve escort travel under any circumstances. Our role is to advise the staff in the North.

We provide information to the Director of Medical Travel, the Executive Director of the Baffin Region, the Interagency Case manager at Baffin Regional Hospital and/or the nurse in charge. Examples of issues relating to the need for an escort are, the nature of the patient's procedure, expected days in hospital, and any teaching needs. Decisions regarding escort approval are made by staff in the North.

For clients already in Ottawa, we advise the GN staff about any requests for escorts or any requests for escort switches.  We will forward documentation or letters to the Interagency Case Manager, Baffin Regional Hospital.  She will forward the request to the correct director.

As well, we must advise the department about any escort being unable, or unwilling, to assist a patient they agreed to escort .  The Interagency Case Manager, at Baffin Regional Hospital, will take our concerns to the appropriate director within the H&SS.