SNIFFER dogs and extra staff are being scrambled to a Rubery secure unit housing criminals with mental health problems following revelations of violence and drug abuse.

A concerned employee has lifted the lid on the dangerous power struggle between staff and patients at Reaside Clinic, in Great Park.

Staff are frequently attacked by inmates and Class A drugs are being smuggled onto wards by patients and visitors, according to the anonymous source.

Bosses warned staff not to discuss the crisis but a letter to the Advertiser/Messenger claims:-

Forty workers have been injured - ranging from bruises, broken bones to a sexual assault - during the past two months

Patients are bribed to behave by being given 100 free cigarettes each week

A trust executive was forced to work at the unit because of severe staff shortages

Consultants refuse to let staff search patients for drugs

"There has always been a degree of dangerousness to the job but over the past two months there has been a dramatic increase in assaults and injuries," said the frightened employee.

"Managers continue to ignore the big drug problems within the clinic and Class A drugs are freely available.

"Illicit substances affect residents' mental state, increase the likelihood of assaults, halt progress and have a detrimental effect on mental health."

The South Birmingham Mental Health Trust unit opened in 1986. It houses 92 patients and previous residents include Bromsgrove killer Tracie Andrews and the Yorkshire Ripper.

Many have committed criminal offences but as part of their treatment some are allowed into the community alone.

The Trust claims problems are being addressed and this week said police drug detection dogs would now be visiting the site and two full-time trainers in the management of aggression have been recruited.

A spokesman said that 'unfortunately' assaults by patients on staff occur within all psychiatric units.

"There is a nationally recognised shortage of qualified mental health nurses, however, at Reaside Clinic we are able to recruit staff."

He confirmed during a recent weekend, when the unit was understaffed, the trust's director of nursing services Ros Hallstead volunteered to help out.

The spokesman denied free cigarettes were given out but said people who arrive with no cash are forwarded funds, which can be spent on cigarettes or personal items.