HELP: Health Equipment Loan Program
Many types of equipment are available in the Coastal Region through the Red Cross' Health Equipment Loan Program.
No one expects to suffer illness or injury that affects their mobility, their independence or dignity – yet it happens to hundreds of people in the BC Coastal Region every day: The child who needs crutches after a fall from a bike, or a senior who requires a wheelchair, cane or walker after slipping in the bathtub.
Health care reform has reduced the duration of hospitalization, requiring more Canadians to recover from illness, surgery or injury while at home – where equipment to provide comfort and mobility is often not available.
Many people in the BC Coastal Region struggle with the tremendous financial burden that illness or injury can bring. The cost of purchasing or renting health equipment is far beyond the means of many of those who need it most.
Important Notice
As of March 1, 2009, all equipment loans require a referral from a regulated health care professional.
This change is intended to improve client safety. The referral can be provided in writing or verbally. It should include the health care professional's name, professional designation, and phone number; along with the specific equipment needed and any applicable measurements.
For additional information, please call 1-800-661-9055.
The Red Cross provides home use health equipment on a loan basis to clients recovering from injury or disease throughout the BC Coastal Region, through 4 distinct loan programs:
Basic Equipment Loan Program
Offers short term loans of basic health equipment to those recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility limitations. More»
Intermediate & Advanced Loan Program
The Red Cross, BC Coastal Region, with support from the Vancouver Island Health Authority, operates Intermediate and Advanced programs in certain areas. Access to items in these programs is restricted to certain health care professionals, due to the need for advanced assessment and follow-up.
Delivery and Installation Service
Delivery and installation of Red Cross health equipment in the greater Victoria and greater Nanaimo areas. Assists many clients who cannot pickup the equipment themselves and ensures installations are done correctly. There is a fee for the service.
You Make the Difference – Support Our Health Equipment Loan Program
More than 220,000 loans of health equipment are made possible through the generous support of donors like you. Please donate to the Canadian Red Cross Fund today.
