Members of Congress grill VA officials over Tomah mishaps

TOMAH (WITI/AP) — Members of Congress say they expect the Department of Veterans Affairs to hold responsible parties accountable as it continues investigations into an embattled VA hospital in Tomah.

A pair of U.S. House and Senate committees heard testimony Monday from family members of veterans who died as a result of inadequate care at the facility. The committee also grilled VA officials on how they plan to improve and prevent future deaths.

The facility in west-central Wisconsin came under scrutiny in January following reports that physicians were prescribing more painkillers than most VA hospitals, and employees who spoke out were subjected to intimidation. The hospital is the subject of multiple investigations. Three deaths as a result of care at the facility also prompted state representatives to call for a federal probe.

"We are supposed to be caring for vets returning from war, not creating a war they can't survive. The quantity of narcotics coming out of Tomah VA are unsafe," Dr. Noelle Johnson, a former Tomah VA pharmacist said.

Family members of two veterans who died while under the care of doctors at the Tomah VA Medical Center also shared their tragic stories of life lost.

"August 30th, 2014 was the hardest day of my life. I love Jason. Still do and miss him every day," Marv Slmcakoski said.

SImcakoski's son Jason died of an overdose while in inpatient care. He had 14 different prescribed drugs in his system.

"I think all who took part in his death should be held accountable," Marv Slmcakoski said.

Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson were among the lawmakers taking part in demanding answers to the inadequate care for our veterans. Both are pledging to get answers.

"We share a bipartisan commitment to get to the bottom of problems at the Tomah VA," Senator Baldwin said.

"The crucial first step in improving is a process of self disclosure," Senator Johnson said.

Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections Dr. John Daigh signed off on the investigation into abuses in Tomah a year ago.  But the report's findings were inconclusive in terms of criminal activity and retaliation.

"Change obviously needs to occur, so if I were able to understand that a change wouldn"t have occurred, I would have made a different decision," Dr. Daigh said.

Congressional members acknowledge the field hearing here is just the latest step in correcting the problems within the VA. The goal continues to be making the right changes and holding those responsible for wrongdoing accountable.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says there are already steps being taken to improve care at the Tomah facility.