Travel, Accommodation and Finances

The Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG) Program helps defray travel related expenses of eligible Northern Ontario residents seeking medical specialist services or procedures at a ministry funded health care facility (e.g. CAT scan). Ministry travel grants are based on the distance to the nearest medical specialist or ministry funded health care facility able to provide the required health care services without a delay that would compromise the patient’s health.

NECC patients and family members/friends have to make their own arrangements for accommodation. Patients who live more than 200 KM from the NECC can apply for a grant through the Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG). You require a signature from your oncologist on the NHTG application form, please ask for this signature when you are at the NECC.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Health Sciences North supports families with children in both the paediatrics and neonatal intensive care units at the hospital.

There are 3 transportation options for residents only:

1. First Student: wheelchair-accessible transportation
2. Platinum Patient Transfer Services
3. Community Living

All fees are the responsibility of the resident.

📞 705-744-2202

Medical appointments for wheelchair clients only (No Cost)

📞 705-753-5995 ext. 228

New clients must register and complete an assessment over the phone before accessing services. Short waitlist is currently in place for program onboarding.

• Ages 60+ 
• No wheelchair-accessible transportation
• At least 2 business days notice required to schedule a ride
• Charged by kilometer
• Catchment Area: North Bay, Corbeil, Bonfield, Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa, Redbridge
• Does not include: Callander, Temiskaming Shores

📞 705-472-5760

Local rides at no cost (donations welcome), fees apply for out-of-town trips

📞 705-474-3851

Short assessment over the phone is required before accessing services.

• Ages 65+ or adults on ODSP/OW
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation
• Charged by kilometer
• $0.30/km for seniors
• $0.50/km for non-seniors (ODSP/OW can pay directly)
• Catchment Area: Corbeil, Callander, Powassan, South River, Sundridge, Burk's Falls
• Can provide transportation to appointments in Toronto, Ottawa, North Bay, and Sudbury

📞 705-724-6028 or 1-888-521-0000

Free transportation available to Nipissing First Nation band members only.

• Van services (not wheelchair-accessible)
• U-Need-A-Cab Parataxi can be booked by the Centre if needed (no cost to client)
• Must live on reserve or very close by (Sturgeon Falls, Duchesnay, Yellek, Jocko Point)
• Can provide transportation to appointments in North Bay and Sudbury
• Long distance transportation can be arranged through NHIB (i.e. Ottawa, Toronto)

📞 705-753-3312

Free transportation for cancer patients.

• Volunteer drivers
• Requires a referral from a physician
• No wheelchair-accessible transportation. Client must be ambulatory and independent or bring an escort if they require assistance
• $100 annual registration fee - covers unlimited rides for the entire year
• At least 3 business days notice required to schedule a ride
• Catchment Area: North Bay and surrounding area, Temiskaming Shores

📞 1-888-939-3333 (Toll-free) | 🌐 https://tripbooking.cancer.ca

Free transportation services for registered clients of the Lifelong Care Program.

• Indigenous status card required
• Must be a senior, disabled, or chronically ill
• Intake must be completed over the phone before accessing services
• No wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but U-Need-A-Cab Parataxi can be booked by the Centre if needed (no cost to client)
• At least 24 hour notice required for in-town trips
• 2 weeks notice with a physician's referral is required for out of town appointments

📞 705-472-2811 ext. 214 | 🌐 nbifc.org

Free transportation assistance for seniors or chronically ill individuals.

• Community Support Services Coordinator in North Bay will discuss eligibility and complete intake over the phone
• Does not require MNO citizenship or status card
• Transportation services are provided via taxis, buses, and volunteer drivers

📞 1-800-263-4889 ext. 7

Low-cost transportation for individuals in Parry Sound.

• Ages 18+
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation
• Fees: $0.61/km
• Individuals must complete an assessment before use.
• Will travel out of town (i.e. North Bay, Sudbury, Toronto)

📞 705-746-5602 ext. 101

Low-cost transportation to medical appointments within town.

• Available to residents only
• Sign up through Unit Support
• Fees: $3.00 one way
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation

Low-cost transportation for residents of West Nipissing.

• Within West Nipissing: $8.00
• To North Bay: $25.00
• To Sudbury: $50.00

📞 705-753-7116

Low-cost transportation available to individuals with a disability.

• Application must be filled out by a physician
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation within North Bay only

📞 705-476-5530

Call U-Need-A-Cab directly to book wheelchair-accessible transportation.

📞 705-497-7777

Paid transportation services in Temiskaming Shores.

• Ages 60+ or adults with a physical disability
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation
• Fees are based on the client's Notice of Assessment from CRA
• 3 thresholds dependent on income: $2.50-$3.50/km
• Catchment Area: Temagami, Kirkland Lake, Cobalt, Latchford, New Liskeard
• Will complete out of town trips (i.e. Timmins, Sudbury, North Bay)

📞 877-318-9678 | 🌐 https://homesupportservices.ca/transportation-services/

There are different financial programs available that can help people with cancer and cancer survivors, as well as their families and caregivers.

The POGO Financial Assistance Program provides relief by reimbursing families for some of the costs they incur. POGO is responsible for the administration of this program, with 100% of the funding coming from private-sector fundraising.

At the Northeast Cancer Centre in Sudbury, social workers play a vital role in supporting patients and their families throughout the cancer journey. They assist with emotional, practical, and financial challenges that may arise following a cancer diagnosis.

Emotional Support: Social workers provide counseling to help individuals and families cope with the emotional aspects of cancer, including grief and bereavement interventions. They offer a safe space to discuss feelings of anxiety, depression, or fear, and work to enhance coping strategies.

Practical Assistance: Navigating the logistics of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Social workers assist with:

• Accommodation: They help arrange housing during treatment periods, ensuring patients have a comfortable place to stay.
• Transportation: They coordinate transportation services to and from treatment sessions, alleviating the burden of travel for patients and their families.
• Home Support Services: Planning appropriate home care services to support patients in their daily activities during treatment.

Financial Guidance: Cancer treatment can lead to financial strain. Social workers assist patients in:

• Completing Forms and Applications: They help with paperwork for funding, housing, insurance benefits, and other necessary services.
• Accessing Financial Assistance: They connect patients with resources to manage costs related to medications, medical supplies, and other treatment-related expenses.

By addressing these areas, social workers at the Northeast Cancer Centre ensure that patients and their families receive comprehensive support, allowing them to focus more fully on treatment and recovery.

Request to speak to a Social Worker when you visit the Northeast Cancer Centre.

The chemotherapy unit provides a selection of informative pamphlets for patients. While there isn’t a dedicated social worker assigned to the unit, one is available upon request. This social worker is often the best resource for information on financial assistance programs. They are a great first point of contact, and if additional guidance is needed, more complex inquiries can be directed to the social workers at the Northeast Cancer Centre.