CONCERNS have been raised about a number of serious incidents at a secure mental health unit, including patients 'breaking out' and 'master keys' going missing.

In one recent incident at Guild Lodge, near Goosnargh, which is still being investigated, a patient who had been referred from the criminal justice system smashed through two glass doors which had been due for replacement, staff told the Lancashire Telegraph.

Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the unit, said the patient was detained again within 60 seconds, and did not leave the grounds of the unit.

Bosses said the doors were made secure immediately after the incident, on January 30, and the investigation will identify any improvements that need to be made.

A staff member, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being disciplined by the trust, said concerns have previously been raised with bosses, but serious incidents keep happening.

The worker said keys which opened many of the building's doors have gone missing on a number of occasions, resulting in locks being replaced at huge cost, while patients have even been found in possession of keys.

In one serious incident in 2013, the unit was placed on 'lock down' for more than a day because of a lost key, the worker said.

Data obtained through Freedom of Information laws suggested the secure unit, which takes patients from across the county, has had about 140 absconded patients since 2010, and about 20 lost keys.

The trust said the figures included patients who absconded while on escorted leave, returned late from un-escorted leave and attempted absconds. It said the lost key figures included locker and door keys, and none would allow a patient to leave the secure perimeter.

The trust was asked if it was aware of the security concerns raised by staff, but did not provide a direct answer to this question.

But it added in a statement: "A recent review of security arrangements at Guild Lodge has seen a number of improvements. This includes the introduction of security personnel who are responsible for the oversight of all security procedures and processes on the site.

"Additionally, a revised training package for all new and existing staff members ensures that all staff are well trained and informed of the procedures to which they are working."