Labour Relations Officers are investigating complaints by nine Summerhaven employees.

The Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) yesterday confirmed it has been asked to represent several staff members in dispute with management of the residential home.

BIU president Chris Furbert said: "They have requested representation and we are putting in a 'letter of representation' for them with the Department of Labour and Training. I believe it is nine members of staff, some past and some present.

"I cannot comment on individual cases but among the issues are discrepancy in job descriptions, as well as the way management is treating them from time to time.

"Apparently they have some challenges about the way John Powell is managing the facility. We are currently waiting to hear from the Department of Labour regarding the complaints we have sent in."

Labour Relations Officer Glenn Lake told The Royal Gazette: "We can't comment on individual complaints as they are confidential, so I cannot confirm anything."

However, this newspaper understands one case concerns a female member of staff fired last week.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "I was dismissed on Friday. The matter is with the union and Labour Relations. They are investigating it.

"Mr. Powell claims a camera picked me up abusing residents physically, but the residents themselves don't know anything about this."

The ex-employee said she was among the signees of last week's petition to Health Minister Walter Roban, calling for Mr. Powell's resignation.

The petition signed by ten of the 18 residents, and seven members of staff states: "We, the undersigned residents and employees of The Summerhaven Trust, are calling for the immediate resignation of Mr. John Powell, the chairman/administrator, and the entire The Summerhaven Trust Board.

"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."

The petition followed the results of an independent review of the physically handicapped residential home by Glenn Wachter, a long-term care expert and former Oregon deputy ombudsman.

He concluded the Summerhaven Trust was "not effective at caring for its ageing and largely dependent resident population".

Among his recommendations were the purchase of basic diagnostic equipment, staff training in CPR and first aid, and caregivers posted on duty to all shifts.

Mr. Wachter also called on the facility to "immediately require the discontinuation of allowing staff to sleep on the night shift".

Mr. Powell told a press conference last week this situation had now "been corrected", but that it had been a practice for more than 20 years. The current administration has been in place for 18 months.

Summerhaven, in Smith's, houses 18 physically handicapped residents and receives $500,000 a year in Government funding and $600,000 from the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Since the results of Mr. Wachter's investigation into the facility last week, this newspaper has been contacted by several friends and relatives of residents, alleging "improper governance and management of the healthcare facility", while others claim residents are living in a "climate of fear".

Yesterday however, three residents of Summerhaven spoke out in support of Mr. Powell and the new administration. Mr. Powell is the temporary administrator until the board appoints a permanent position.

Claire Ann Moore, 51, said: "These statements about a 'climate of fear' and living in 'a nightmare' are false." She added that since a security camera system was installed last week, residents are feeling more secure.

"Before the cameras, some residents had money stolen from people coming in off the street," she said. "Now it's a safer place, so no one should feel they are living in fear".

Miss Moore said she felt the petition had been instigated by two members of staff who favoured the former administration.

"They want the old administration back," she said.

"But Mr. Powell has been excellent. He has given Summerhaven a complete facelift, both outside and inside the building. He does have the care of the residents and his staff at heart."

She said: "Mr. Powell is just getting his feet in the door, so people should give him a chance."

Roger Chasty, a 54-year-old resident of five years, added: "I don't have a problem with the staff or administration, I love this place."

Ron McCarn, 60, said: "It's a wonderful facility and the administration here is doing a good job as far as I'm concerned. I've no complaints whatsoever. I think some people around here are making mountains out of molehills."