HEALTH chiefs yesterday defended conditions for patients at a Scarborough psychiatric unit, condemned by inspectors.

A team from the Mental Health Act Commission called at the 11-bed Oliver House rehabilitation unit at the Cross Lane Hospital in Newby, in May.

In a report published this week, inspectors concluded the facility run by the Tees, and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust fails even to meet basic nursing care standards.

Sick leave meant only a single qualified nurse was on duty during the visit, assisted by one unqualified colleague.

As refurbishment work was being carried during the inspection, patients were "disorientated and confused, while records were in disarray". Vital equipment was also said to be missing while syringes were found in a linen cupboard and drugs in an unlocked office.

The report stated: "The activities board was completely blank and patients were either wandering aimlessly up and down the corridors or lying down in the patients' lounge."

Although it has accepted some of the criticism, a detailed response from the trust emphasised many improvements have already been implemented since the inspection in May.

A statement read: "It is unfortunate the Mental Health Act Commission visit should have taken place in the midst of that major refurbishment work, which has been completed at a cost of more than £80,000, and also at a time when sickness had badly effected staffing levels."

The refurbishment has included new double-glazed windows, refitted showers and bathrooms, newly-equipped kitchens, improved laundry and sluice facilities."

The trust adds it considered relocating patients during the refurbishment work but concluded they may have been more distressed in unfamiliar surroundings. It also hopes to appoint a new activities co-ordinator later this year.

It added: "We hope, should the Mental Health Act Commission return to Oliver House today, it would find we are making progress towards addressing those areas it has raised and also making improvements we have identified."