Several employees at Yale New Haven Hospital are expressing deep concern about their safety as several incidents of vehicle thefts, break-ins, and an alleged assault happen in and around the hospital's parking lot, The Hour reported.
Increasing Crime Records In and Around Yale New Haven Hospital
The crimes have been observed to be increasing in the vicinity of Yale New Haven Hospital, where 17 incidents required police intervention, including nine assaults, several robberies, and instances of theft in the past three months. Among these incidents, two involved assaults with a firearm, Police Chief Karl Jacobson confirmed.
In response, patrols will be increased in the area, and discussions between the police department, Yale Police Department, and Yale New Haven Hospital security to prevent further issues are already underway.
Petition for a Safer Parking Lot
By Friday afternoon, more than 1,000 people had signed a change.org petition urging the hospital to enhance safety in its surrounding parking lots for Yale New Haven Hospital employees, who pay approximately $60 monthly for parking taken from their paychecks.
According to the New Haven Police Department, employees face frequent incidents, such as window break-ins, car thefts, and thefts of tires and rims, at least six times a week with no action taken by the hospital. While acknowledging that employees pay fees directly to the hospital, leaders declined to collaborate with the city, opting not to allocate funds for gated lots with badge swipe access and neglecting to patrol the parking lots due to staffing shortages.
The petition also requests a safer Yale New Haven Hospital with improved lighting, gates with badge access, surveillance cameras, and regular security patrols to prevent vehicle theft and vandalism.
Crimes Stirring Fear and Frustration Among Hospital Workers
Speaking anonymously due to concerns about retaliation, a nurse informed News 8 that her Honda was targeted in a car burglary, with the rear windshield shattered and panel broken into, remarking, "It's frightening because I should feel safe at my workplace."
Among other things that have dismayed employees is the lack of communication and transparency from the hospital's leadership. Employees would not have known about the crimes happening almost daily if they had not been posted on social media or covered by the media.
According to employees, senior leadership knew, but they were not directly affected, as many long-term employees and higher-ups at the hospital opt for parking in the Air Rights Garage or other nearby garages. While preventing crime is not in the hands of the hospital management, the employee criticized their canned response, "The city owns the lots, not us."
According to their statements, hospital employees advocate for better protection and support, emphasizing the need to focus on their jobs without safety concerns. Marisa Ragonesi voiced her frustration at feeling disregarded and undervalued, describing herself as more than just a number and highlighting concerns about being taken advantage of and literally being robbed of.
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