NIGHT-time cover at care homes could be cut under proposals unveiled by council bosses.

Lancashire County Council, which controversially closed two-thirds of its care homes in 2004, is now planning to reduce cover to two members of staff overnight for up to 43 residents.

A worker said the proposed changes could put lives at risk, but the councillor behind the move said the scheme would bring extra flexibility to the service.

At the moment, each of the seven care homes in East Lancashire run by the county has eight staff members during the day, and three overnight.

One of the overnight workers sleeps at the home, to be woken for extra support in emergencies, while the other two stay awake to care for patients.

Under the new proposals, the sleep shift would be carried out by one member of staff covering several home.

They would stay at home, providing over-the-phone advice or travelling in to cover in an emergency.

Staff affected by the changes would face transfer to another part of the service or redundancy.

The county council is now consulting with staff, residents and their families over the changes.

But a worker who contacted the Lancashire Telegraph, who asked not to be identified, said: "They closed most of the old people's homes and now intend to cut night staff to a bare minimum to look after more than 40 vulnerable people.

"We feel this is being done to save money. Our elderly people are fragile and need lots of care in the night.

"If there is an emergency where someone has to leave in an ambulance, we will be down to one person until more cover arrives."

County Coun Tom Burns, cabinet member for organisational development, said the changes would make more use of technology like that which allowed closure of the 32 homes in 2004 by moving residents to sheltered accommodation.

He said: "If a care home has three or four new residents, who are unfamiliar with the building and routine, they might want to bring in more staff to assist.

"It's about creating a system that can adapt around the needs of residents.

"At quieter times, such as during the night, it might be more practical to have a smaller number of staff in the building.

"Under these plans, local managers would be able to make the changes to respond to the activities and events taking place.

"In addition to making the best use of staff, developments in technology are also having an impact on how care can be delivered.

"Electrical equipment and sensors in residents' rooms mean that lights can turn on automatically when a person gets out of bed in the night.

This can reduce the chance of a fall and possible injury. With residents able to get around safely, this can free staff up to deal with other issues."