We understand there are questions about why Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) will no longer be accepting cash for patient billing as of April 1, 2026, and we wish to answer those questions.
Currently, approximately 90% of all patient billing payments are made via debit, credit or cheque, and this number has grown over the past few years.
What is Patient Billing? The majority of our patient billings at HWMH are for uninsured services/supplies; examples are the uninsured portion of ambulance service, and appliances (crutches, splints, casts, etc.).
The decision to go cashless was made carefully, and with the needs of our patients, staff, and community in mind. Here are the main reasons:
- Safety for patients and staff
Managing cash onsite requires additional security measures. Reducing cash handling helps us maintain a safer environment for everyone while we work within the funding constraints of our hospital. - Operational efficiency
Handling, counting, reconciling, providing change, and securely transporting cash takes significant administrative time and resources. - Infection control
Cash changes hands frequently and can carry contaminants. Moving to debit, credit, cheque, and bank draft payments supports stronger infection-prevention practices within the hospital.
We offer multiple payment options—debit, credit, personal cheque, and bank draft — and payments can be made at Central Registry or Finance (Room 212 or by phone at extension 1375). Our team is always happy to assist anyone who needs help navigating their payment options.
Thank you for your cooperation,
The Finance Department
