The Panel is tasked with investigating a spring 2020 COVID-19 outbreak and resident deaths at the home
BOSTON, MA – State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) has been appointed to the legislative oversight committee tasked with probing the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home leadership and staffing, its COVID-19 response and preparedness, and the results of the investigations into the facility. The committee was formed in July of 2020 after the home experienced one of the country's worst COVID-19 outbreaks in a long-term care facility.
“Each resident who has called this facility home dutifully served their country and they deserve the highest quality of care,” said O’Connor. “It is tragic that 76 veterans lost their lives while residing at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and I look forward to joining my colleagues on this panel who have been working for months to ensure tragic event like this never happen again.”
An independent investigation ordered by Governor Baker examining the tragedy at the home was released this past June. Following the independent investigation, Attorney General Maura Healey filed criminal charges against former Superintendent Bennet Walsh and former medical director David Clinton. The former officials have since pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The next hearing of the Special Committee will take place on January 21st.
The committee is co-chaired by Rep. Linda Dean Campbell (D-Methuen) and Senator Walter Timilty (D-Milton). O’Connor was appointed this week to the committee by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).
Senator Patrick O’Connor represents the Plymouth and Norfolk district, which includes the towns of Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate, and Weymouth. Sen. O’Connor and his staff may be reached at the State House at 617-722-1646 or by email at Patrick.O’[email protected].
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