VA Response to American Federation of Government

Employees Union


The standardization of anticoagulation therapy management
under a specialized Anticoagulation Clinic provides high
quality care for patients on these inherently risky
therapies. For many years, VA North Texas Health Care
System has conducted an Anticoagulation Clinic at its Dallas
Campus to manage and follow outpatient Veterans on
treatment with warfarin (Coumadin) and other
anticoagulants. In accordance with policy, we expanded
Anticoagulation Clinic services at the Bonham and Fort
Worth campuses. In doing so, we analyzed workload
demands and are in the process of hiring additional
staff. Recently approved oral anticoagulants will allow
effective treatment without as intense or frequent need for
follow-up as is required for Veterans taking warfarin. The
decision was made not to schedule more Veterans in the
clinic until additional providers are hired (2 recent
vacancies). By expanding this service, VANTHCS will
continue to provide safer and more standardized care for the
Veterans we serve. AFGE has challenged this due to a
change in working conditions with the staff
involved. Because this is a an issue of patient care and
patient safety we are moving forward with the expansion to
include the hiring additional staff.

DR. CLARK GREGG
Chief of Staff