Client Services provides coordinated, culturally respectful support for First Nations clients travelling from northern communities to Sioux Lookout and other urban centres for medical appointments and care.
Through SLFNHA’s hostel facilities, Client Services works to ensure clients have access to safe and welcoming accommodations, nutritious meals and snacks, ground transportation, client advocacy and Patient Navigator support throughout their medical travel. This work is supported by teams across security, housekeeping, laundry, dietary services, transportation and data entry, who help maintain safe facilities, coordinate client stays and travel, protect confidential client information, and support the day-to-day needs and wellbeing of clients and their families.
Together, these services provide an integrated system of non-medical supports designed to make medical travel as safe, comfortable, and seamless as possible while responding to the needs of the First Nations.
SLFNHA operates three hostels in Sioux Lookout to ensure a safe and welcoming ‘home away from home.'
Provides rides for clients to medical appointments and trips to the pharmacy for prescription pickups.
We are dedicated to providing support to our clients, and will assist with any issues with services.
Guidance & support for SLFNHA clients who travel outside their homes to access health care.
Learn more about Medical Transportation Benefits under the NIHB Health Benefits Program.
Prior to September 1995, certain non-medical health services, such as transportation, accommodations and translation services, were contracted out and administered under other organizations. In March 1993, direction was given by NAN Chiefs (Resolution 93/16) to establish a coordination and communication system which ensures such organizations delivering these services involve and work in cooperation with SLFNHA.
SLFNHA developed a Comprehensive Client Services Department (CSD) Proposal and was approved by NAN (Resolution 94/67) on November 30, 1994 for submission to Medical Services Branch for negotiation. The proposal was submitted in January 1995. Approval was received during the summer of 1995 and the implementation took effect that September.
In 2008, construction of a new 100-bed hostel facility commenced. The new 38,000 sq. ft. facility houses food services, a domestic kitchen, a family lounge area, recreation and social programs and continues to provide Client Advocacy and Support as well as transportation to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and the airport.
In early 2019 SLFNHA acquired the former Days Inn hotel located on #3 Sturgeon Road. In 2023, SLFNHA acquired the former Sioux Lookout Inn & Suites, adding 59 rooms.
SLFNHA now provides accommodation at three locations in Sioux Lookout:
