The quiet community of Woss, nestled in Vancouver Island’s northern region, has become the unlikely epicenter of a healthcare spending controversy after a local resident’s medical appointment resulted in a staggering $1,200 taxi bill paid by Island Health.
John Tidbury, a 76-year-old Woss resident, was left bewildered when health authorities arranged for a taxi to drive him nearly 350 kilometers to Victoria for a routine 15-minute medical consultation, then immediately back home again.
“This is ridiculous,” Tidbury told CO24 News in an exclusive interview. “I couldn’t believe they’d spend that kind of money when there are so many other options. The whole thing took less than 15 minutes, but cost taxpayers over a thousand dollars.”
The controversy has raised serious questions about Island Health’s resource allocation practices at a time when British Columbia’s healthcare system faces significant financial pressures. According to internal documents obtained by CO24, Island Health spent approximately $8.4 million on patient transportation services last fiscal year, with taxi services constituting a substantial portion of that expenditure.
The health authority defended its decision, citing patient safety protocols that necessitated transportation for Tidbury, who had previously experienced adverse reactions to certain medical procedures. However, critics, including healthcare advocacy groups, argue that more cost-effective alternatives exist.
“While ensuring patient access to care is essential, especially for rural communities, there needs to be reasonable limits and thoughtful planning,” said Dr. Melissa Chen, healthcare policy analyst at the University of British Columbia. “Telehealth services, regional clinic coordination, or even overnight accommodations paired with multiple appointments would likely prove more economical in such scenarios.”
Tidbury himself suggested several alternatives that could have saved significant public funds, including utilizing the existing bus service that runs from his community to Victoria three times weekly at a fraction of the cost.
Island Health has since acknowledged the concerns and promised a review of its transportation policies. “We are committed to ensuring both appropriate patient care and fiscal responsibility,” said Robert Crisp, Island Health’s executive director of patient services. “This situation has highlighted areas where our processes may need refinement.”
The incident comes amid broader provincial discussions about healthcare spending efficiency. Last month, the BC Auditor General released a report identifying transportation services as an area requiring stronger oversight and accountability measures across all health authorities.
For residents of remote Vancouver Island communities, the controversy speaks to deeper concerns about equitable healthcare access without unnecessary administrative waste. Community advocate Sarah Wilson noted, “We need solutions that balance our rural healthcare needs with responsible spending—not $1,200 taxi rides for 15-minute appointments.”
As British Columbia’s healthcare system continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges and budget constraints, the question remains: can health authorities develop transportation policies that serve patient needs while demonstrating responsible stewardship of public funds?
