Patients in Calgary and Edmonton who call 811 and are told to see a doctor within 24 hours now have a way to get there.

Acute Care Alberta says a six-month pilot program under the EHS-Alberta/Health Link 811 Shared Response program will include alternative transportation for patients who need in-person medical assessment but don’t need an ambulance.

The program begins Friday.

Callers will be offered a taxi service to the nearest hospital emergency department or urgent care centre by the 811 nurse if they don’t have another way to get there.

Patients also have to be able to safely walk on their own, be over the age of 18, and not require an assessment by paramedics.

There will be no cost for the patient.

Return transportation will be the patient’s responsibility.

“By working together

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