Physically handicapped residents of Summerhaven are living in a "climate of fear", according to their friends.

One told The Royal Gazette: "As one resident told me, living under this current administration is like having a nightmare and being unable to wake up.

"Based on all that I have heard, Summerhaven is no longer a safe place to live, and there is a climate of fear."

The former summer student at the residential home added: "Government has a responsibility to intervene on a much greater level."

Another added: "Summerhaven for many years has been a safe place and home to many of my friends. This environment has changed, they no longer feel safe, and feel very much at risk under the present administration."

Citing "failure to provide good staff and proper care", she said: "Staff are being pitted against staff, and residents against residents."

The Royal Gazette received these comments following the results of an independent review by care expert Glenn Wachter, a former Oregon deputy ombudsman.

A press conference last week revealed that among his findings, the Summerhaven Trust was "not effective at caring for its ageing and largely dependent resident population".

Mr. Wachter made ten recommendations, including advice that Summerhaven should purchase basic diagnostic equipment, train up all staff in CPR and First Aid, and all shifts should have caregivers on duty.

Trust chairman John Powell admitted to the media that for more than 20 years, staff on night shifts had been allowed to sleep on duty.

He said the situation had now "been corrected", in light of the review.

Summerhaven, in Smith's, has 18 residents and receives an annual $500,000 in Government funding.

After the announcement of Mr. Wachter's investigation, this newspaper received a copy of a petition signed by ten residents and six members of staff.

It stated: "The Board has failed in their fiduciary responsibility and in making decisions in the best interest of Summerhaven's residents and staff.

"We have no trust or faith in the present administration and board."

Mr. Powell said the current administration has been in place for 14 months. He said of the petition: "It's not any concern. I'm not worrying about it."

However, members of the public, friends and relatives of residents have since contacted The Royal Gazette to express their concern.

One friend, who did not wish to be identified, said: "I believe many complaints and observations have been made to the investigator (Mr. Wachter) and no doubt are within his report but have not been published.

"Whilst it may not be prudent to air all the contents of the study, the more serious aspects, particularly those that impinge on the psychological relationships between staff, administration and residents, should not be given short shrift.

"The fact that many of the residents and staff have since signed a petition and the recipient of it stated, 'I'm not concerned', speaks volumes.

"That individual should be concerned and so should all others who have the welfare of the residents 'in trust'.

"This too indicates that there is a lot that is still not right."

Mike Chase of Ontario, Canada, said some friends had made him aware of issues that have not yet been made public. This was separate to frustrations at the "improper governance and management of the healthcare facility".

"Their signing of a petition for the resignations of the Board takes a lot of courage by both residents and staff. My added concern for the residents is that there are other problems at Summerhaven that have not as yet 'come to light'," he said.

"Mr. Wachter's review did expose many of the important deficiencies and risks at the facility. Further investigation by those concerned for the residents might find added problems, and concerns as to sufficient governances of the board."

Marie Holder added: "Summerhaven is a beautiful facility, but residents must have major problems with the place if they (want) John Powell and the Board to resign."

Another reader, named 'Frederick', told this newspaper: "I'm very concerned. Twenty months ago a new administration took over Summerhaven and as a result there has been continuous conflict and problems with the organisation."

Another said: "Government has a responsibility to protect all of its citizens, even if they reside in a home run by a charity, like Summerhaven."

A Government spokeswoman said last night: "The Government has been made aware of concerns by residents and staff at Summerhaven.

"We are proceeding with a series of measures as outlined at the recent press conference held by Ministers (Walter) Roban and (Neletha) Butterfield.

"We are confident that these measures will result in a much improved and better managed and operated facility, both in the short term and long term."