Nearly two years after the sudden death of Marine Corps veteran Jason Simcakoski, the Tomah VA Medical Center is ready to move forward. Simcakoski’s death became the center of a highly publicized and long-running investigation into potential malpractice within the facility. Since then, the facility has made major changes in its leadership, policies and most recently reopened its acute psychiatric in-patient unit. Leading the Center’s new agenda is Acting Medical Director Vicki Brahm who has worked at the facility since October of 2015.
Since Simcakoski’s death, there have been two plans used to help create positive change within the facility. The first was a 30-day plan, designed by former Acting Medical Director John Rohrer to reorganize the facility and get through the initial fallout. When Brahm took over, she ushered in a 100-day plan to help meet new goals and expectations. Brahm said that during the 100 day plan, the facility was able to accomplish nearly 45 major improvements. Brahm said that these improvements have created momentum among staff members.
“The staff, I think, sees now that we can do this and that they can be back on top again like they were before,” Brahm said.
One of Brahm’s initial goals was to improve the overall staff morale, which many employees said harbored a “culture of fear.”
“When I came aboard, the employee satisfaction numbers were at the bottom, if not the second lowest from the bottom in VA. So we’ve worked really hard to move the staff morale up and now I’m proud to say that we’ve exceeded the national average,” Brahm said.
But Brahm admitted that improving the staff satisfaction was difficult due to all of the problems facing the facility.
“There are very many dedicated people who come to serve a mission to take care of veterans. So when you have that kind of passion and you’ve done that, many have been there for years, it really hurts their morale,” Brahm said.
Staff members have also been provided with better training opportunities. Staff members are trained using simulation dummies and mock scenarios which help employees feel better prepared to handle difficult situations. Care providers have also been made aware of new strategies in place to prevent the over prescription of opioids.
The Tomah VA’s next goal is to reopen its acute psychiatric in-patient unit. A lack of staff skilled in psychiatrics forced the unit to shut down operation last fall. Because of negative attention received by the VA, Brahm said it was difficult to recruit skilled providers. However, after months of recruiting, the facility is now ready to be reopened which Brahm said it is not just important for those connected to the VA.
“This is really important for our community as well because there are severely mentally ill people that really need help” Brahm said.
On June 27, the VA will be hosting an open house to showcase the reopened unit. The unit has some new improvements that will be promoted during the open house including improved beds, better surveillance, and a no smoking policy.
The Psychiatric unit will resume full-time operation starting on July 5. Leaders at the Tomah VA hope that this will be another stepping stone in rebuilding their organization.
-Matt Clark
Episode Credits
- Hope Kirwan Host
- Matt Clark Producer
- Hope Kirwan Interviewer
- Vicki P. Brahm Guest
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