Veterans upset VA hospital "pauses" some of its services without any notice

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - There are big changes taking place at the VA hospital in Fort Wayne leaving thousands of Veterans wondering where they should go to get medical attention.  NewsChannel 15 first told you the VA hospital intensive care and acute medical units have temporarily closed.

Veterans we talked with Tuesday night at the New Haven American Legion Post said they feel like they've been left in the dark.  They're wondering if this is the start of a possible closure for the Fort Wayne VA hospital.

"Many people were shocked. A lot of Veterans are concerned. We want to know if this is any type of start of the closure of this hospital," 2nd Vice Commander of the Allen County Council of Veterans Alan Schuette said.

Hearing the VA hospital has temporarily closed the ICU and the Acute Medical Unit has Veterans asking questions.  The spokesperson for the hospital tells us it's a positive thing.  Leaders are reviewing their processes and training employees.

Veterans said some advanced notice would have been nice.

"If you go without VA approval they may not cover your medical expenses if you are a VA patient."

Veterans at the New Haven American Legion Post think there's something more to this "temporary closure."

"I don't believe that's the way. It's not temporary, it's permanent," Disabled Veteran Edward Klotz said.

"I just feel that this could be the start of closing that hospital and it's a critical need in this area. We have a lot of Veteran's here and a lot of younger Veteran's now coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan that are going to need this place," Schuette explained.

If the VA hospital in Fort Wayne were to close for good, one veteran said it would be disheartening.

"They promised me free healthcare for the rest of my life. And then not only is it not free anymore but I depend on that, that's my healthcare."

There's no word on how long the units will be closed.