Ontario's ombudsman has launched an investigation into the province's health services after concerns were raised about the safety, cleanliness and training involved in non-emergency medical transportation.

André Marin said his office has received complaints that the private companies that shuttle non-critical patients to and from Ontario hospitals suffer from poorly trained staff and a lack of official regulations or oversight.

The vehicles look similar to ambulances but are operated by unregulated companies. They are used to transport hundreds of thousands of non-emergency patients every year.

Marin said he has received reports of patients being injured while shuttled between hospitals and other locations.

"We have received dozens of complaints from upset patients, their families, and from whistleblowers within the medical transportation industry who feel that patient safety is being compromised and that the government's response to these issues has been inadequate," Marin said in a statement.

"Anyone who has had experience with these services is invited to call our office."

The investigation is expected to take 90 days. Anyone with relevant information is urged to call 1-800-263-1830 or complete an online complaint form at www.ombudsman.on.ca.