• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Military / Investigation of Tomah VA faults doctors

Investigation of Tomah VA faults doctors

August 7, 2015 By Andrew Beckett

Tomah VA Medical Center

Tomah VA Medical Center

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general has found that psychiatrists at the Tomah VA Medical Center did not discuss the hazards of a synthetic opiate prescribed to a 35-year-old Marine Corps vet, who later died from a drug overdose while at the hospital last year. Investigators also found the hospital also did not have anti-overdose medicine on hand.

Jason Simcakoski died in August 2014 from a fatal mix of opiates and diazepam, an anti-anxiety medication also known as Valium, prescribed to him by VA physicians. His death was one of several linked to the misuse of prescription opiods at the hospital. The report did not rule out the possibility that Simcakoski may have taken extra doses of the drugs.

Members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation promised action, following the latest revelations.

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) called it a “tragedy,” while noting it was one that could have been prevented. “It is clear very serious mistakes were made in the course of Mr. Simcakoski’s treatment. As we move forward the Tomah VA needs to immediately take steps to implement the changes recommended in the OIG report as well as other commonsense solutions to fix the problems we have seen at Tomah and at other VA medical facilities,” Kind said.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) said the report confirms VA doctors failed to keep their promise to Simcakoski. “I have all the evidence I need to conclude that the VA prescribed Jason a deadly mix of drugs that led to his death and that those responsible for this tragic failure should never again serve our veterans and their families,” she said.

Baldwin has introduced legislation named for Simcakoski, which would improve the tools available to VA to prevent future opiate abuse issues. She said “This report highlights the need for the reforms we have proposed to give veterans and their families a stronger voice in their care and put in place stronger oversight and accountability for the quality of care we are providing our veterans. Change is possible and I will continue my fight for it.”

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Military, News, Politics / Govt



Featured Stories

House passed gun purchase background check bills last year with no support from Wisconsin Republicans

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC

 

Loading Comments...