Community Corner

Franciscan St. James Introduces Transportation Hotline for Patients

Patients can call and receive information about available transportation options to the health centers.

Franciscan St. James Health Wednesday announced the introduction of CareLinks Transportation Service, a free resource that provides patients information about transportation services available in the communities served by the hospital.

CareLinks Transportation Service was introduced to improve access to care within the south suburbs by helping to make those with transportation challenges aware of existing transportation services.

“For many people, the lack of transportation is a major obstacle in gaining access to care,” said Karen Yates, Franciscan St. James director of mission integration and volunteer services. “It can be especially critical for those with chronic illnesses or those in need of follow-up care. Our new transportation resource line will help those people continue their care and, ultimately, reduce the need for them to be readmitted to the hospital.”

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Many municipalities and townships offer senior citizens transportation services at nominal costs to one or both of the Franciscan St. James campuses. The costs and the notice required to obtain transportation varies.

“CareLinks Transportation Service is a reliable, complete resource for information about all of the transportation services available to residents of every community Franciscan St. James serves,” Yates said. “Our dispatchers can help people determine if they qualify for these services, and help them better prepare to take advantage of them when they do.”

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The CareLinks Transportation Service resource line number is 708-679-2777. It is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those calling after hours are invited to leave voicemail messages that will be returned the next business day.


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