A CARE home has launched an investigation after a nurse was allegedly caught napping on the job on five separate occasions while she was the only worker on duty.

Five photos sent to the Times show the woman, who is understood to work three nights a week at the Aspen Grange Care Home, in Braintree, catching 40 winks.

Two of the pictures show her slumped in an armchair while two more show her laid out on a sofa.

A fifth shot shows her asleep in an armchair with her shoes off and her legs over the arm of the seat.

A source sent the images to the Times showing the nurse asleep at the home in Coldnailhurst Avenue.

The source said she is concerned the woman could be in such a deep sleep she does not wake up when emergencies begin to unfold.

The source told the Times: “She works three nights a week and is the only registered nurse on duty.

“If she is sleeping, she can’t carry out night checks and might be unable to wake to attend emergency situations.

“The carers usually deal with these emergencies until she rouses and comes onto the floor.”

A spokesman for the home said: “We are disappointed the complainant did not approach us in the first instance, as we have an open approach to feedback, and always deal with it sensitively and appropriately.

“As soon as the matter was raised we began a thorough investigation and will take any action deemed appropriate.”

It is understood the home – which offers residential, nursing and dementia care – looks after 47 vulnerable adults.

When it was last visited by Care Quality Commission inspectors in 2016 it was rated as “good” in every area.

According to the Care Quality Commission website “checks are being carried at the home” and a report will be published when the checks are complete.

A Care Quality Commission spokesman said: “We are aware an allegation has been made regarding a member of staff at Aspen Grange Care Home.

“We are in touch with the provider and understand they are looking into this.”

Trade union Unison said it did not wish to comment.