CT mental health workers appeal to Gov.

Middletown, Conn. (WTNH) - Workers at Connecticut Valley Hospital say staffing levels are compromising patient care. They're fed-up over working conditions and are making their voices heard.

News 8 obtained the report that was put together by workers at the Connecticut Valley Hospital. It shows a chronic shortage of staffing. They say it's not only difficult; it is dangerous.

They gathered outside the Governor's office in the state capitol to complain about one thing.

Deborah Chernoff, with District 1199, stated, “Overtime and in particular, the excessive reliance on mandatory overtime.”

It’s an odd complaint at a time when many people are looking for work. But some of t hese workers have been going in at 3 pm and getting off at 7 am, or 16 hour days for six days straight.

“And we are mandated. We cannot leave the building at all because of the hospital and what we do there,” said Albert Honegan, CVH nurse. “There are some employees that have families and all they want to do is just go home.”

Connecticut Valley Hospital is the largest psychiatric facility in the state with 600 patients. The state closed four other facilities and most recently closed the Cedar Ridge Mental Health Services to consolidate services and most importantly, cut costs.

Steve Charpentier, CVH nurse, said, “Being mandated is probably costing the state more money than having another worker being paid regular time.”

They're paid double time for the overtime. But at this point, they don't want it, and they say it's not safe. Many times, News 8 is told, there is only one nurse and two mental health workers to deal with 30 patients with extreme emotional and physical needs.

The staff’s concerns were written up in the report and presented at the governor's office.

Donna Tommelleo, Governor Rell's communications aid said, “On behalf of the governor, I'll be happy to see that she gets this and relay your concerns.”

In response the Connecticut Department of Mental Health says their staff-to-patient ratios are among the best in the nation. But they do admit overtime has increased since last summer and they've lost about 130 employees. They are now authorized to fill 20 vacancies.

The workers say they are trying to bring awareness to this issue before something really bad happens.