Baldwin calls for investigation into Tomah VA Medical Center – Spectrum News

Baldwin calls for investigation into Tomah VA Medical Center  Spectrum News

It stems from alleged abuse of a patient in the Hospice Ward. TOMAH, Wis. — Sen. Tammy Baldwin is calling for a federal investigation into what she calls “serious failures of care” at the Tomah VA Medical Center. “Employees at the Tomah VA contact my office to report severe lapses in patient care at this facility. Their reports are specific and alarming. They include allegations of poor management and inadequate staffing contributing to falls, pressure injuries, food choking incidents, failures to conduct appropriate patient checks, and other adverse patient outcomes,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins. Baldwin also requested an independent investigation by the VA Office of the Inspector General.

It all stems from criminal charges filed against a registered nurse in the Hospice Ward at the facility. Beth Holtz is being charged with one felony count of intentionally abusing patients, resulting in great harm. According to a criminal complaint, Holtz had been assigned a 75-year-old patient, who was admitted to the ward on March 6, 2025. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which required a continuous supply of oxygen. A staff member reported on Aug. 18, 2025, that Holtz allegedly removed the patient’s oxygen supply and also prevented a CNA from reapplying it. This caused the 75-year-old man to go