Andrew Gerber
Facing Frustrated Neighbors, Silver Hill Lays Out New Security Measures
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Silver Hill Hospital is instituting a series of security, admissions, notification and other changes following what officials at the psychiatric facility have called “concerning incidents with patients” that have affected neighbors. Addressing neighbors following a Feb. 28 incident where a patient at the hospital escaped custody, prompting those at nearby East School to shelter in place for a time during the school day, Silver Hill President and Medical Director Dr. Andrew Gerber said he’s committing “to be open and transparent about these incidents and to explain to you how we are changing policy and procedures.”
“We will be adding substantial security measures to prevent these incidents or anything like them from happening again,” Gerber said during an information session held March 26 at the Congregational Church of New Canaan.
He continued: “Silver Hill is fortunate to be in a beautiful residential neighborhood. For 94 years, we have had the privilege of taking care of patients and families while respecting our neighborhood and supporting our community. We deeply regret jeopardizing your trust and that of our neighbors because of these incidents, and we’ll do whatever it takes to earn that back so we can continue in our mission and be good neighbors.”
After providing an overview of the hospital and speaking specifically about the patient who recently escaped custody—and, according to a CT Insider article, later was caught at JFK with a “hatchet, sledgehammer” and plans to shoot two people (more on that individual’s case below)—Gerber laid out a series of “significant changes in our policies and procedures.”
“These changes will prevent a patient with a similar history from being at the hospital, as well as minimize the risk that any inpatient would be able to get away from staff in this way,” he said.
