STAFF at a Worcester mental health unit, abandoned when asbestos and bacteria were found in the building, are threatening to walk out after they were told they cannot move back until after Christmas.

Nurses and patients from part of the Elgar Unit were transferred to Bromsgrove's Princess of Wales Hospital after asbestos was found in ceiling tiles last October.

They were assured the unit would be up and running again within months, but legionella bacteria was then found in the water system.

They have now been told they cannot move back until after Christmas as long-running problems with the water system have to be sorted out.

"The staff are getting very, very angry and are on the point of thinking about some kind of action if we get put off again," said one Elgar Unit worker, who did not want to be named for fear of losing her job.

"Families are very unhappy as well, as the people who visit are often elderly and sometimes have to make two long bus journeys to Bromsgrove.

"It is so distressing for them anyway to see their relatives in a demented state and the long journey is the last thing they need."

Staff were originally told they could move back to the unit based at Newtown Hospital in May, and were then told August.

Postponed

The move was then postponed to September 15, but workers were told it was cancelled again just two days beforehand.

The likely move date is now after Christmas.

The bacteria found during the summer is similar to one which causes Legionnaire's Disease - which thrives in stagnant water and can be life-threatening.

This particular strain is not dangerous to humans, but bosses at Worcestershire Community and Mental Health NHS Trust agree problems with the water system needed to be sorted out so the bacteria cannot thrive again.

"We do very much regret the inconvenience caused to patients, staff and families," said Dr Ian McPherson, director of mental health at the Trust.

"We cannot take the risk of bringing patients back until we have got this completely sorted, as we want to keep the number of times they are moved to a minimum.

"This whole problem has been extremely disappointing and frustrating for patients, relatives and staff."

The Trust has been providing a courtesy bus for relatives from Worcester and staff petrol bills have been paid.