Tomah VA hospital has 30-day plan to improve operations in light of recent criticism

TOMAH — The Tomah VA Medical Center has a 30-day plan that leaders say will improve the hospital's operation in light of recent criticism.

Veterans Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating reports of overprescribing practices and retaliatory behavior at the facility. Tomah VA spokesman Matthew Gowan says objectives of the plan released Monday include improving partnerships with the labor union, emphasizing leadership and reaching out to care providers.

WAOW-TV reports the hospital plans to hold five employee listening sessions.

Candace Delis, of Marshfield, says she's not impressed. Her father died in the hospital's waiting room last January. Delis calls it "administrative nonsense" that doesn't address patient needs, including wait times.

The hospital plans to report on progress after 30 days.

“I was encouraged by my conversation with Dr. (Carolyn) Clancy (interim under secretary for health at the Department of Veterans Affairs) after her visit to the Tomah VA.  The progress on the 30-day plan and the beginning of training for pain management are promising steps in the right direction, but the VA still has a ways to go. We must remain vigilant to ensure our veterans receive the quality health care they deserve," Rep. Ron Kind said in a statement.