Care workers claim 'unsafe practices' at Dunfermline hostel
Matt Meade • Published 27 May 2010 07:25
4 Comments
FIVE West Fife care workers have come forward to highlight alleged "unsafe practices" at a homeless hostel.
The employees, who have all worked at the James Bank Hostel, told the Press they were unhappy with some of their colleagues' behaviour which they said was "dangerous and illegal".
Their claims include:
Staff working under the influence of alcohol.
Staff smoking and dealing cannabis while at work.
Homeless residents being allowed to inject heroin on the premises.
One worker, who did not want to be named, said, "The unsafe practices in James Bank are totally ridiculous.
"It's out of control - full-time staff have been drinking alcohol on the shift, smoking marijuana on the shift and dealing on the shift.
"Service users are being left with people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and we've witnessed it."
An investigation took place earlier this year after a complaint was made about two staff members who were believed to be under the influence of alcohol.
Kingdom Housing Association, who operate the hostel, carried out the investigation and said "appropriate action" had been taken. They did not specify what this was.
The hostel, located in James Street next to the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, provides 33 rooms.
Twelve of the rooms are for overnight stays and are normally used by rough sleepers, which is where much of the issues have stemmed from.
There are seven full-time and six part-time staff at the hostel, as well as others who come and go.
The five workers, who visited the Press office last Thursday and wanted to remain anonymous, said rough sleepers were being allowed to book into rooms despite being drunk and that a blind-eye was turned to those injecting heroin in their rooms.
Another worker said two used-needle bins were in the building.
She added, "They've got two of them in there.
"People who've not got needles are going into these bins and taking dirty needles out and using them. It's been tipped upside down."
Another said, "They're allowed to jag in their rooms and are putting staff at risk from dirty needles.
"They're also allowed to come in under the influence of alcohol and all the rules say that is not allowed to happen."
They have also become concerned that vulnerable service users were not getting the help required to access services or secure their own outside accommodation.
They are now planning to approach the Care Commission to voice their concerns.
One finished, "We're going to do as much as we can because it's for the best for the service user.
"We've all got a duty to care and as far as we're concerned there are too many unsafe practices."
A spokesperson for Kingdom Housing Association, referring to the previous investigation, said, "We take all such allegations very seriously.
"After a thorough investigation, the appropriate action was taken.
"The Care Commission and Fife Council have been made aware of the allegation and of our subsequent investigation and action.
"If anyone has any new information in relation to these or any other allegations we would encourage them to speak to us directly or contact the Care Commission."
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
-
andrew healey
Unregistered User
May 27, 16:26
Report commenthello ive been reading your press report and i must say im pretty concernd . im an ex user of now 11 years i was a heoin adict for 20 years . i spent 10 years wandering round as a homless person . james bank took me in 7 weeks ago . Since then ive achieved through the help of the staff quite a lot . im now doing volunteer work for B,tcv. ive also got an interview with first coming up next week . these kind of alegaitions are totally unfounded james bank has offerd me nothing but support and enconragement . i do beleive that james bank has a lot to offer in the way of suport help and guidence for those that are determind to turn there life around . thank you . A.P Healey
Recommend?
Yes 3
No 1
-
******
May 28, 08:32
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
-
******
Jun 2, 03:57
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
-
Janette Graham
Unregistered User
Jun 11, 15:01
Report commentI have just read your second article on the subject of The James Bank Centre, Dunfermline, dated 10/06/10.
I became homeless 6 wks ago, & Homes4Good literally dumped me at the James Bank Centre. I am not an alcoholic, very rarely drink. I've never taken drugs.I became homeless.
Prior to becoming homeless I held a full time job for more than 20yrs, lived in rented accomodation, paid my way in society,going about life as any ? normal human being.
All I can say is thank goodness for James Bank Centre.
It's not pretty to look at,everything very basic.
One thing for sure,the people who work there are very supportive & caring, in a job that alot of people could & would not do.
Yes, it takes all types of people who become homeless, & as in all walks of life there are givers & takers.Some of the service users treat the James Bank Centre with disrespect, having no respect for themselves or others who reside there.
I have never seen any of the staff use or abuse the system they work in, believe you me I would be the First to complain to the higher management.
When I continue to read that the centre should not be there, where would you think of putting us!
it's like sweeping us under the carpet & hoping that we will go away.
Homelessness is not going to go away, and thankfully we have charities like Kingdom of Fife.
So everyone, pls work with us, in good times & bad.Life is to short.
If you had told me this time last year that I would be homeless, living in Dumfermline at the James Bank Centre, I would have raised my eyebrows, who me, never!.
Thank you for listening.
Recommend? Yes 3
No 2
-
Marick
1 post
Nov 2, 15:28
Report commentI was sent to St James' House by fife homeless team, I arrived there at 8pm and I was told by staff that it was not safe for me because people take drugs and drink alcohol, the member of staff I was talking to had a can of bitter in his hand. when I went outside to smoke the man I spoke to I could see was smoking behind the desk.
Recommend? Yes 3
No 1
-
scoobysnacks
2 posts
Dec 3, 23:49
Report comment
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
