When Sarah Wheeler, a Northern Health (NH) social worker at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC), raised concerns about a gap in care for Northern families, NH and Spirit of the North (SOTN) Healthcare Foundation took action. Many families who rely on the NH Connections transportation program to travel to and from care centres often face a straightforward but serious challenge: limited access to safe, appropriate car seats for their infants and young children.
Traveling for health care purposes isn’t a vacation. It can be stressful – and the last thing someone wants to have to think about are the little details – like having to bring their own car seats. Those making long journeys, frequently travelling great distances between hospitals and their home communities—including many returning from BC Children’s Hospital— often are already navigating complex medical, logistical, and sometimes financial barriers. Ensuring their small children and newborns can travel with them appropriately should not be another obstacle.
After Sarah flagged this need, Aimee Cassie, CEO of the SOTN, jumped in to offer support. Thanks to their generosity and in partnership with West Coast Kids, who provided the car seats at a generous discount, the following were supplied for use on the Connections coaches:
- Six stage 1 car seats
- Six stage 2/3 car seats
- 12 car seat travel bags
The good news and support didn’t stop there. Pacific Western Charters, a key transportation partner, installed car seat anchors, ensuring all NH Connections coaches are equipped with seat belts to properly secure the new equipment.
This initiative represents a meaningful step toward safer, more fulsome health care transportation for families across Northern BC. It provides peace of mind for parents—especially those whose infants may require extended NICU care or pediatric treatment in Vancouver—and ensures they can return home with their children safely and comfortably.
Thank you
A big thank you to SOTN, West Coast Kids, and Pacific Western Charters for their support with this initiative!
Comments