Vancouver Coastal Health reconsiders wheelchair fee

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A strong reaction to a wheelchair fee has caused one of the region’s health authorities to hold off on it for now.

Vancouver Coastal isn’t sure when — or even if — it will introduce it.

The health authority is now talking it over with the BC government and wants a plan that applies to the entire province.

Gavin Wilson with Vancouver Coastal says they’ve heard the public concerns. “That’s what prompted the need for a review. We thought ‘Okay, let’s take a look at this.’ We discussed it with the ministry. Maybe we need to do something a little more consistent.”

Meantime, Fraser Health has gone ahead with the $25/month fee; it came into effect September 1st.

Erin Labbe with that health authority says it will apply to residential care patients who borrow Fraser Health’s wheelchairs. “This fee is consistent with the provincial policy and will bring consistency across the residential care spectrum.”

Labbe adds the fee will be waived if it poses a financial hardship on a patient.

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