Equipment loan service being taken over by regional company
The New Brunswick Department of Social Development will end its contract with the Canadian Red Cross on June 26, after a longstanding partnership that provided home health and mobility equipment to New Brunswick residents.
A pre-recorded phone message from the Red Cross stated that “as a result of a competitive procurement process, the Department of Social Development will be launching a new basic home health and mobility equipment program, Community Aids for Independent Living New Brunswick (CAIL-NB). The new program will be operated by Tango Medical.”
“Our government remains dedicated to supporting our most vulnerable residents, ensuring that those experiencing financial challenges can still access the equipment they need to live with dignity and independence,” said Judy Winter, Communications Officer for Social Development.
“This transition is designed to improve access to equipment in response to changing populations and health system needs. As with the previous program, equipment will continue to be provided on a referral basis from eligible health care professionals to ensure continuity of care for individuals in need,” she added.
The new program, which began accepting applications on June 1, will feature a “direct-to-client distribution model,” with equipment delivered, set up, and/or installed free of charge. The government said this program will offer “a significant improvement over the previous arrangement through the Red Cross.”
If clients prefer, they can still pick up equipment themselves from service centres in Fredericton, Saint John, or Moncton.
Jason Small, a member of the Media Relations Team for the Canadian Red Cross, shared that,
“The Health Equipment Loan Program offered by the Canadian Red Cross has been a vital part of the health services of New Brunswickers for more than 50 years,” said Jason Small, with Canadian Red Cross Media Relations. “We sincerely thank our employees and volunteers for their dedication and exceptional service.”
He noted that the Canadian Red Cross will continue to support the people of New Brunswick through its other service offerings while adapting its programs to the community’s changing needs, as it always has.
A Social Development representative noted that the department “appreciated the Canadian Red Cross’s longstanding partnership and commitment to serving New Brunswickers, and we look forward to this next chapter with Tango Medical as we continue improving access to essential equipment and supports across the province.”
All Canadian Red Cross offices in New Brunswick will remain operational with normal hours until June 26.
Equipment that is currently on loan through the Canadian Red Cross must be returned to the Moncton or Saint John offices by June 26. Those who are unable to arrange to return their equipment will be contacted with instructions on the next steps.
