VA in process of creating its own police force, more clinics coming to Borderland
The acting director for the El Paso VA Health Care System has given gave ABC-7 a progress report on efforts to improve security at VA clinics, the status of new clinics in the Borderland, and how the VA is working to reduce how long it takes a veteran to see a doctor when needed.
Gail Graham,who became the acting director in June 2015, said the VA is in the process of creating its own police force so armed guards will be present at all clinics.
Currently, security guards are contracted out and do not carry firearms.
Graham says a small number of certified VA officers are already on the job in El Paso and as the force gets larger, the contracted guards will be repositioned.
ABC-7 was told the push to create a VA police force was made before theJan. 8, 2015shooting at the VA Clinic on the William Beaumont Army Medical Center complex.
That’s when Jerry Serrato, a VA patient, reportedly shot and killed Dr. Timothy Fjordbak then fatally shot himself.
In Las Cruces, security also became a big concern in January when a VA patient allegedly threatened to kill his doctor over a disagreement over medication.
Graham confirmed new panic alarms have since been installed in all receptionist areas in the Las Cruces clinic.
Federal investigators say the violence and threats stem from frustrated veterans who sometimes wait months to see a doctor at a clinic or hospital.
El Paso Congressman Beto O’Rourke released findings of a VA study earlier this year that shows on average, an El Paso veteran waits up to 71 days to see a doctor.
Seventy seeven percent of those in need of mental healthcare appointment waited more than two weeks to see a doctor.
To help ease veterans’ frustration, Graham says the VA is building two new clinic in El Paso for a total of four and a second VA clinic in Las Cruces.
It is not immediately known when the new clinics will be fully operational.
Graham added that Fort Bliss soldiers and veterans with sleep issues will soon get specialized help with a new Beaumont sleep center.
