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CONCERNED: Lead councillor Amanda Arnold is aware of the problems.

IN 1979, only 16 per cent of residential care homes were run by the for-profit sector.

In 2008 in Thurrock, 27 of the 28 homes in the borough are in private hands.

Thurrock Council now has only one care home in the borough, Collins House, Corringham.

Disability Network Director John Williams was expecting to read a glowing report but instead was disturbed by many of the comments it generated.

It said Collins House employees included staff had not had training in safe administration of medicines since 2003 and there was an absence of written evidence that the whole staff had received up to date training in the care of vulnerable adults.

Other criticisms included long term staff absentees being replaced by agency staff who did not know how to use hoists. Drugs trolleys were left unlocked, toilets were locked, beds were wobbly and decor was jaded.

The report also commented that the care was delivered like a production line, saying: "Residents were not supported to exercise choice around every day life. A number of residents were asleep in the lounge while the TV showing cartoons was on and loud music blared out."

Inspectors also spoke to residents' relatives and reported one as saying: "More could be done, they just sit there all day. There is no transport and no outings."

A spokesman for Thurrock Council's Adult Social Care department said: "We had initiated an action plan before the inspection to address the shortfalls at Collins House. All the concerns are either resolved or close to being resolved."

Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, councillor Amanda Arnold said: "The council is aware of how valuable Collins House is as part of overall strategy for social care in Thurrock.

"We would seek to reassure residents that we were aware of particular issues within Collins House but are confident that these are being dealt with in a robust manner."

Mr Williams said: "This report seems to hark back to the bad old days where the system came first and the patients a distant second."

But he was also keen to praise the council. He said: "Thurrock Council is in all other aspects and compared to many other councils, an outstanding provider of adult social care."

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