Veterans Affairs rejects air ambulance for Harrow, Ont. Second World War vet

A 100-year-old Second World War veteran has been stranded in a B.C. hospital with no way home. CTV Windsor’s Stefanie Masotti has the details.

A Windsor, Ont. woman refuses to take ‘no’ as an answer after Veterans Affairs Canada denied claims to transfer her 100-year-old father from British Columbia to a Windsor-area hospital.

“This is totally unacceptable,” said Maureen Rudowicz, whose father, William (Bill) Shea, remains in a Chilliwack, B.C. hospital.

“A man that served his country is being treated this way. He’s 100 years old, a World War II veteran.”

Shea travelled to Chilliwack, B.C., to meet up with family members for a cruise to Alaska.

Rudowicz said a few days after the cruise, her father became ill and was rushed by ambulance to the emergency room where he was diagnosed by doctors with a bladder infection, pneumonia in one lung, and problems with his kidneys.

Hospital officials told Rudowicz that Shea’s health had improved, but he could not take a commercial flight because of immobility and that an air ambulance was the only option.

“The lowest quote was $59,800,” explained Rudowicz.

“The highest was $72,000, which is a nonstop flight.”

She submitted a claim to Veterans Affairs Canada seeking coverage for an air ambulance but was denied.

“I kept hearing, no, no, no, but I kept calling,” said Rudowicz.

“Then finally last Wednesday, I was told, yes, he was covered. Two days ago, it was denied.”

Rudowicz was told the denial letter was sent to Shea’s home address in Harrow, Ont. and that he had 60 days to appeal it. She said it’s impossible for him to appeal, as he is in hospital in a different province.

In response to inquiries by CTV News, a Veterans Affairs spokesperson provided a statement:

“Veterans Affairs Canada is always concerned to learn about the health and well-being of a Second World War Veteran. However, we cannot comment on individuals due to the Privacy Act. Eligible Veterans may receive benefits, services, and supports for service-related conditions. Support is provided based on need, and in accordance with our legislation and policies.”

“I did ask the question, what if I flew out there, put him in a wheelchair and bring him home?” she explained.

But doctors told her that would not be possible due to his mobility issues.

Rudowicz has since been in communication with provincial and federal representatives.

An official with Essex MP Chris Lewis’ office told AM800 News they are working to see what can be done to assist Shea.

Shea joined the Canadian military in 1941 at the age of 15 and would later serve as a tail gunner in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. After his military service, he served as a Windsor police officer.

This past March, Essex Conservative MPP Anthony Leardi presented Shea with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing an individual’s significant contribution to Canada or to a particular region.

- With files from AM800 News.