Reminder: VGH-based ID card processing and parking services move November 16
On Monday, November 16, 2015 Integrated Protection Services (IPS) will be relocating the VGH-based ID card processing and parking administration services to Central City (Surrey). ID card photos will continue to be taken by security staff at the VGH location. This relocation will integrate our Vancouver and Surrey offices into a single processing centre serving all the lower mainland hospital sites.
Who is affected?
This change affects staff at VGH, GF Strong and in Vancouver Community as well as some staff from Providence Health Care who have historically been able to have their ID photo taken and pick up their cards at the VGH Photo ID and Parking Services office. Current ID photo and card procedures in other locations including UBCH, Lions Gate and Richmond hospitals are not affected.
Faster processing
A key objective of this move is to improve overall turnaround times for staff requiring new photo ID cards, as well as for those requesting access changes to existing ID cards. It is anticipated that a number of efficiencies will be realized through the creation of a single processing centre. New cards will usually be sent within 5 business days.
How it works
This move to Central City will involve transitioning the VGH-based Photo ID picture taking function to Paladin site security. Paladin will be responsible for the initial picture taking for VGH staff requesting photo IDs. Photo ID card production and access programming will be provided by our clerical staff in Surrey, with completed Photo ID cards being mailed to the employee or their manager when ready.
Photo ID cards:
- Photo ID cards will no longer be issued “on the spot” to staff, physicians and students when they report to the photo ID office to have their ID picture taken.
- New VGH staff will continue to come to the current VGH Photo ID office (Room 17, Doctors Residence – see map below) to have their photo ID picture taken by a Paladin Security guard during regular office hours (0800 – 1600 M-F). Security will also be available to take photos after hours on a request basis.
- Security transmits photos and request forms electronically to the IPS processing centre, where Photo ID cards are produced, programmed with appropriate access and then mailed to the employee or their department manager. New cards will usually be sent within 5 business days.
- Departments requiring immediate access privileges for new employees may request a supply of Departmental Generic Cards. These cards will be programmed to allow the required access until the employee receives their new personalized hospital Photo ID card.
- Photo ID and electronic access requests and inquiries can continue to be sent to: vchphotoID@vch.ca.
Parking Administration:
- Most parking transactions with staff and physicians are conducted via phone and email, therefore relatively few service impacts are expected.
- Patients and visitors to the site will not be impacted.
- Parking services will continue to be accessed by contacting parking@vch.ca.
- New parking and photo ID contact phone numbers will be posted on hospital and health authority intranets once these numbers have been assigned.
New VGH staff will continue to come to the current VGH Photo ID office – Basement Level – Room 17, Doctors Residence.
Shak Sahib
If I loose or damage my parking pass will I be reimbursed parking fees the for the days I have to wait to recieve my new parking pass in the mail.
Shak Sahib
If my parking pass gets lost or damaged will I be reimbursed for the days I have to pay for parking while waiting for a new card.
Shak Sahib
What happens if i loose my parking pass. Is that also a 5 day wait?
Deming Smith
Parking passes will generally be mailed out immediately upon receipt of your request for a replacement card and receipt of your $40 lost pass replacement fee. This can be done over the phone in a few minutes and you should have your replacement pass within a couple of days. .
Jacek Murawski
Could you clarify that new SPH staff will still be allowed to take their pictures at SPH?
Deming Smith
New St Paul’s Hospital staff should continue reporting to the SPH security office to have their photos taken for ID cards. The only thing that changes is that SPH staff will no longer have the option to come to the VGH office and have their picture taken and receive their ID card on the spot.
Deming Smith
Hi Jason,
It is the department manager’s responsibility to ensure staff have access to work areas. If an access card is critical for staff to be able to do their jobs, your manager should contact the photo ID office to request a couple of generic cards, which could be temporarily issued to staff with lost cards or to new staff members. Please email vchphotoID@vch.ca to make this request.
Deming Smith
Hi Jason,
It’s up to your department manager to request spare generic cards from the photo ID office for situations like this, or for cases when a temp or casual employee is working in your department and requires access to doors. Have them contact vchphotoID@vch.ca to make this request. Security will not issue cards.
Jason Shewchuk
I hope the security at VGH will have temporary cards to give out while waiting for our cards to be mailed. Earlier this year I lost my card, and was able to get a new one immediately. If my department doesn’t have temporary cards I cannot go 5 business days without hospital access.