Husband Says Wife Held Hostage 2 Years At Penticton, B.C., Care Facility

VICTORIA — A woman who was "held hostage" in a British Columbia hospital has been given an apology and reimbursed for two years of fees.

 

David Varcoe of Penticton, B.C., says his wife Nancy was put in "unlawful confinement" in a residential care facility for years despite her wishes to be discharged and sent home.

 

The B.C. office of the ombudsperson investigated the Varcoes complaints and ordered Interior Health to formally apologize, refund residential care fees and develop guidelines and train staff on their responsibilities under the Adult Guardianship Act.

 

The investigation concluded the actions of the Interior Health authority resulted in significant loss of liberty and financial hardship to David Varcoe and his wife — who had a series of strokes before entering the home.

 

David Varcoe says the family was paid more than $25,000 in residential care fees, but he is considering legal action to compensate for the pain and suffering he and his wife endured.

 

B.C. Health Minister Terry Lake says the case is complex and health officials always strive to provide the best care for patients, but that the legal rights of patients are paramount.