From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com …
— A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is defending the quality of care at the Tomah VA Medical Center after U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin called for an investigation into the hospital.
The Madison Dem recently sent a letter to the department’s leadership expressing “grave concern” over allegations of patient care issues at the Tomah center, including inadequate staffing leading to injuries and other risks.
She said employees of the hospital have reached out to her office to raise concerns about “poor management” and the care of hospice patients in particular.
When asked for comment, a spokesperson with the federal agency’s Office of Public Affairs said providing “the best healthcare possible is a top VA priority.”
“In an effort to quickly investigate this situation, VA has asked Sen. Baldwin for specific details – such as dates, times and locations – regarding the allegations she cites,” the spokesperson wrote in an email. “We look forward to receiving her response.”
The spokesperson noted a 2026 Office of the Inspector General inspection of the Tomah site found no instances of quality, safety or administrative issues. And the email said the hospital’s nurse turnover rate is about 5%, well below the national average rate of 17.6%.
Baldwin’s letter specifically mentioned pressure injuries — also called bedsores — resulting from staffing and management problems. But the VA spokesperson said the rate of hospital-acquired pressure injuries “remain very low” at Tomah.
“In Q3 of FY2026, no triggering cases for high-risk residents at Tomah were discovered at the community living center – the nationwide average is nearly 8%,” the spokesperson wrote.
Meanwhile, Baldwin’s letter also highlighted the recent criminal charges announced against a former Tomah VA nurse, arguing they “raise serious questions about the care of the hospice patients” at the facility as well as the VA’s response. Beth Holz was reportedly charged with intentionally withholding oxygen from a hospice patient at the facility.
The agency’s spokesperson said the VA “moved quickly and according to established procedures” after the incident took place and immediately removed Holtz. Following an investigation, she resigned in January of this year, the spokesperson said.
See more in Baldwin’s release below, including the full text of the letter.
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