By Bryan Eneas

Former PAGC Grand Chief launches medical transport

May 7, 2018 | 2:00 PM

A former Grand Chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council is giving back to the Indigenous community in and around Prince Albert.

Ron Michel, who retired from his role as the Grand Chief last fall, launched Michel’s Medical Transport last week. The service provides transportation to people who require treatment in Saskatoon who would be unable to make their appointment, or they were often left waiting for service.

“A lot of our people that are sick go to Prince Albert or Saskatoon, or in those areas, and there was always discrepancies in terms of language and the overall care of the people,” Michel said. “They were taken to their appointments in different cities… and they were waiting all the time.”

Michel said he has a fleet of vehicles capable of transporting 22 passengers and two wheelchairs through four vehicles.

Each vehicle is equipped with extra space in order to accommodate patients who have medical equipment with them.

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An important aspect of the service Michel highlighted was comfort — be it more room to carry family members or the extra equipment some patients need, or even familiarity in language.

“It’s all to get [patients] to feel as comfortable as possible and being packed in a van or car, isn’t the way to do it,” Michel said. “When you’re sick, you’re sick, and you need space.”

Michel said the company is considering hiring a driver who speaks Dene to serve those speakers as well.

In order to use the program, Michel said people who qualify for the non-insured health benefits program need a referral from their doctor. Patients then take those referrals to Spruce Lodge, who then directs them to Michel’s Medical Transportation.

Members of any First Nation community who qualifies can use the services according to Michel.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas