A DAMNING report into the running of six resettlement homes for adults with learning disabilities has uncovered evidence of "oppressive practice" and "disrespect" to residents.

An investigation was commissioned by Bury Primary Care Trust following a complaint by a member of the public. It found a catalogue of failings in the way the service operated.

Inspectors found examples of a "lack of respect" towards clients, who in some cases had left their homes only twice in a six-week period, or were barred from using certain rooms.

Now health officials have vowed a thorough overhaul of the system -- set up in the early 1980s -- will take place.

Initially the resettlement houses were managed and staffed by qualified nursing staff, but have been replaced by unqualified staff.

The external review of the service found:

One client had left the house only twice in a six-week period -- to attend a Christmas party and to go to a local shop.

Clients were not allowed access to the kitchen or given any choice in the daily menus.

The bathroom and toilet in one of the homes was locked after morning use. Staff had exclusive use of the bathroom and those whose home it was had to use a separate toilet.

The report stated: "It is very clear that some clients are deliberately excluded from using one of the rooms in one home, to keep it clean and tidy and in pristine condition,"

It added: "Certainly in two of the homes visited, the quality of care offered to clients was staff centred and undignified.

"A further example of the lack of respect for clients was shown in the fact that some had to share a bedroom.

"No indication was given to the reviewers that the home leaders or staff saw anything wrong with this practice."

The report went on to state: "The examples give a clear indication that the clients in at least two of the properties are not respected."

Inspectors found that there was a lack of management "oversight" and "the way each home operated was very much dictated by the home leaders' direction and not backed up by any observance to policies and procedures or organizational culture."

The report said: "There were no needs-led assessments; care plans that existed were basic, out-of-date and have never been reviewed in the past."

It added: "Reviewers found a variety of practices from very good and person-centred in one home, to extremely poor and oppressive practice in others."

Mr Stephen Mills, deputy chief executive of Bury PCT, said: "The PCT takes concerns raised very seriously, and as a result of concerns raised by a member of the public, the PCT carried out its own initial review of the service provided at the homes.

"It was decided that further investigation was needed by an external expert.

"The recommendations in the review are wide ranging and involve an overhaul of the service, a process that has already begun, to the benefit of clients within the service."

He added: "The PCT is dedicated to providing the best possible service for clients and as such a change to the culture, and staffing regimes has had to take place in order for improvements to begin."

Action taken by the PCT so far includes:

establishing a clear management structure with a system of accountability

registering with the National Care Standards Commission

developing partnerships with housing associations to improve building stock

improving the quality of life by offering clients more choices and opportunities to take part in every day events

"The PCT Board and professional executive committee will be kept fully informed of the improvement process and lessons learnt will be used to improve other PCT services," said Mr Mills.

Any family members or members of the public wishing to speak in confidence to a PCT representative about these issues can call 07904 379651.