I’ve been keeping a close eye on the thoughts and opinions of our employees concerning the parking and building expansion project underway. Yes, this long-time, highly anticipated expansion will bring more parking – however, as with all construction projects, we will endure some growing pains. Please know the goal of my Safety and Security Services staff is to help ensure all personnel and visitors have a safe and satisfying experience from the moment they arrive on our campus.
 

CRMC’s Security staff’s new look

Concerns we’re hearing from employees:

Concern 1: With the closure of Lot 10, employees are lacking parking. 

Answer:  We knew ahead of time the closure of this large lot would require us to redirect parking. It’s the reason Lot 16 (adding 151 spaces), and Lot 7 (creating 147 new spaces) were built and communicated about in advance of Lot 10 closing.

Concern 2: Lot 16 is always full when I need it and Lot 7 is too far away.

Answer:  Yes, Lot 16 does fill up fast.  However, Lot 7 remains empty most of the day. Community Regional created a fun steps challenge to help motivate staff to embrace its parking challenges and build some positive energy around our many steps to change. Nearly 300 employees have signed up for the challenge so far. It’s not too late to join. Go to the Community Regional section of the Forum and look for “Steps to Change” challenge.

 

“With the campus expansion project going on and construction in some parking lots, it’s no surprise that parking is a challenge. I was not aware of the additional parking lots available until recently. Yes, Lot 7 is a little further from campus and little scary at 0615, but with the security escorts and patrols, I think it’s a great parking option. I’m hoping to continue to be active daily and to practice being grateful for the resources we have at our facility – keeping a positive perspective.” Joann Ngaorassavong- Respiratory Care Practitioner

Concern 3:  Night shift employees have concerns about walking to and from vehicles at night and early morning hours.
 
We understood your concerns so we added extra night security support to Lot 7 and its surrounding area:

1. The Terry’s House night security officer will patrol the area on foot during the night shift staff rotations;
2. An additional night security officer will be stationed inside Lot 7 with the vehicle emergency lights on; and
3. Hourly campus and parking patrol checks are occurring from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Employees may request a security escort, vehicle jump start, or lock out services at any time by dialing 559-459-6574 or 13 internally. We recommend you program our direct number into your cell phone. To help ensure timely service, please call ahead of time to schedule your escort service. Wait times could apply depending on our staffing and service call levels. It is not our intent to keep you waiting. Please understand that there may be other service calls ahead of yours.

Additional things you should know:
 

• Free Employee Parking Permits can be picked up at the Main Information Desk, TCCB-Rotunda Security Desk, and the Emergency Department Security Booth. 
  • Please make sure to have your vehicle information with you (License Plate Number and the make, model and color of your vehicle).
  • Parking permits must be affixed to the lower right side of the windshield of each employee's vehicle parked in permit required parking lots.
• Please park in designated employee-only parking areas whenever parking at any Community Regional Medical Center facility – whether on- or off-duty. 
• It is the responsibility of each employee to become familiar with employee parking areas. View the Employee Campus/Parking Map.
• Vehicles parked in an employee lot without a parking permit are subject to being cited and/or towed at the owner's expense.  Please refer to policy 10040, Vehicle Parking.
• Please be courteous to others and do not take up two parking spaces. Park between the lines as straight as you can to allow others to open their vehicle doors!  With parking space already a challenge, this only adds to the problem. 

Thanks for your cooperation and support during each phase of Community Regional’s growth process. I hope you’ve enjoyed this awesome week celebrating Hospital Week.

Victor Allen
Director Safety & Security Services
Community Regional Medical Centers