Runwell Hospital has been found to have some of the poorest accommodation for secure unit patients in the region.

Inspectors from the Mental Health Commission reported their concerns after a visit to discover how the Mental Health Act was being administered.

Runwell director Medwyn Williams said they had been happy with how the hospital was dealing with the Act but admitted there were other problems.

Mr Williams, director of nursing and operations for mental health at Southend Community Care Services Trust, revealed some ward toilets and bathrooms had not been "as clean as they might be" and others were untidy.

Inspectors also found that patients in the locked Plashet wards did not have enough space for recreation.

But Mr Williams said the wards were not purpose-built and a £1.7 million grant from eastern region to refurbish the three wards this year would give patients more freedom.

He conceded: "It is some of the poorest accommodation for secure services within the region and urgently needs work done."

But he said he was disappointed other comments by commission inspectors did not take into account the fine balance the trust had to strike between winding down the hospital for its planned 2001 closure and redecoration of existing facilities.

He said: "We are trying to resettle patients and don't have as much money as we would like to spend on the environment."

Ensuring a cleaner goes in after patients use the toilet and bathroom would make the atmosphere too institutionalised, he added.

Mr Williams said: "We are trying to prepare people for being discharged into the community and make sure they use their living skills.

"I am disappointed the Commission did not look at things in the greater context of our reality. But it was complimentary about the care being offered to patients and there was no suggestion of maltreatment."

The Commission's final report is expected soon.

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