FURIOUS nurses at a secure unit housing dozens of violent patients have begun an "unofficial work-to-rule" in protest at staffing levels.

Their refusal to do overtime and work through lunch breaks follows concern over the growing number of assaults on employees at Calderstones Hospital's medium secure unit.

The action comes after a management shake-up which has seen the unit's general manager Christine Whalley moved to another role within Calderstones.

A union chief said he understood Mrs Whalley had voiced "deep concern" over the level of staff and expertise working on the unit.

The medium secure unit houses 133 patients with "challenging behaviour," including sex offenders and violent criminals.

When most of the Calderstones site in Whalley closes in 1999, the secure unit will be retained with trust bosses hoping to expand the service to 200 beds.

Ian Gallagher, Unison branch secretary at Calderstones, said nursing staff were unhappy with the increasing number of violent attacks on them by patients. He said although they were taking no official action, staff were now refusing to work through lunch hours and tea breaks.

Mr Gallagher said: "I think the staff are frustrated by the trust board's unwillingness to take their views on board and its ruthlessness in stifling opposition.

"There is a wide range of issues about whether there is sufficient staff of sufficient expertise. The argument is not just about numbers, but about the skill mix."

The husband of one staff member said: "The staff are worried that they could get seriously hurt. They have started an unofficial work-to-rule and are refusing to work overtime or through their lunch hours."

Heather Peters, executive nurse director at Calderstones, said: "Present staffing levels in the medium secure unit are appropriate to ensure the safety, care and support of our clients.

"However we do have some staff vacancies at the moment and we are always acutely aware there is no room for complacency.

"We also recognise that there is a high demand for our service, but we do not compromise on safety and care standards.

"All new admissions to our service only take place if a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses and other professionals agree."

Chief executive Russ Pearce said: "We are going through a period of unprecedented change.

"As we close the long-stay service, we are also developing new services here at Calderstones and in the community.

"It is inevitable these fundamental changes are having a huge impact on staff."

The trust refused to comment on the position of Mrs Whalley and the "unofficial work to rule". Mrs Whalley could not be contacted to comment.

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