CONCERNS over staff safety prompted an investigation into a Colchester care home, the Gazette can reveal.

Current and former employees of Maple Court, in Berechurch Hall Road, have come forward as an invesitgation by Essex County Council’s social services department continues.

Four former members of staff and one current employee have all come forward to raise their concerns, while the town’s MP Bob Russell has also been asked to investigate.

The staff complaints centre on one particular resident at the ten-bed home, whose needs are said to be “too severe” for them to deal with.

A former employee, who asked not to be named, said: “There are service users that shouldn’t be there. I’ve been doing that sort of work for a number of years. In Maple Court, staff are being attacked. You don’t go to work to be kicked, hit and bitten.”

A current employee, who also asked not to be named, added: “A member of staff, who is just 17, had his nose broken by the service user.”

The staff said they have made complaints to management, but claim they are being ignored.

Mr Russell said while he is not called upon to look into such issues often, he is prepared to take up the complaints of both current and former employees to ensure staff and residents are being properly looked after.

Costs vary between £2,000 and £2,600 per week to stay in one of the two bungalows which comprise Maple Court.

There are five ensuite rooms in each building, and work is under way to build an additional three bungalows on the site.

It provides care to people with learning disabilities who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Usha Sheth, director of Maple Health UK which runs the home, said: “Maple Health UK is aware of the issues raised at Maple Court. We set high standards of care and take any concerns about resident or staff welfare very seriously.

“While we cannot publicly discuss individual cases, we can confirm we are co-operating fully with the relevant authorities so this issue can be addressed promptly.  “We are also consulting with our team at Maple Court to ensure any appropriate action is taken.”

Maple Court was last inspected by the Care Quality Commission on November 4 when it received a one star or “adequate” rating.