Nurse says parking situation at RIH has become a safety concern

“Lately they have started towing and ticketing us in there,” the nurse said. “Even in our staff parkade if you don’t have a staff pass — which is about a six-year wait list to get — they have started towing and ticketing in there, also.”

The nurse says because the issue doesn’t pertain directly to the job, the union can’t help. According to the nurse, safety has become a concern among staff, with some choosing not to pick up short-call shifts due to the stress of the issue.

“Our off-site parking is actually at Peterson Creek and you’re walking through some pretty bushed area. If you’re walking on the street at 11:30 at night, people have had encounters, we’ve had our vehicles broken into, people have had to call the cops while walking to their vehicles because they’ve been followed.”

Interior Health responded to a request for an interview with an emailed statement. In it, IH admits parking is a challenge at the hospital and says it is seeking out future options.

It adds all employees are eligible for after hours parking passes on site and encourages staff to utilize its Safe Walk program.

“The safety of staff is important to Interior Health and a Safe Walk program is available at all Interior Health sites,” reads the statement. “After-hours transport is available to the Peterson Creek and Courthouse lots and security will provide a foot escort to the end of the property at Third and Columbia and visually monitor the staff member to the Third and Battle Street lots.”

by Jill Sperling

Nurse says parking situation at RIH has become a safety concern

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