A Northumberland care home run by Four Seasons has been rated Inadequate by the CQC.

Inspectors of East Ridings Care Home in Morpeth found both its washing machines had broken down which had resulted in a “large build-up of soiled laundry” which posed a risk of infection to residents and staff.

CQC head of inspection Alison Chilton said: “Additionally, this resulted in some people not having enough clean clothes and having to wear other people’s. Also, staff told us they weren’t always able to change bedding as often due to the shortage of clean sheets, so people were living with dirty bed sheets which is totally unacceptable.”

While staff were described as having “caring attitudes”, residents were supported with communication needs, end-of-life care plans were in place and visiting was facilitated, the CQC found appropriate checks were not carried out on agency workers and there were inaccuracies in medicines administration and management.

A Four Seasons spokesperson said: “We regret that East Riding Care Home has fallen below the standards that we and the Care Quality Commission expect. We have implemented a comprehensive service improvement plan to address the areas noted in the report. Since the inspection in September, we have taken a number of steps to rectify the issues highlighted, including a review of resident care and medication processes to ensure the needs of residents are better met.

“All issues with the laundry service have been rectified with the installation of a new washing machine and we have also appointed a new home manager and an activities coordinator and activities assistant. Colleagues in the home are being supported by our regional team to be assured improvements are sustained.  The safety and wellbeing of residents remain our first priority.”

Buyers are currently being sought for the last of Four Seasons’ freehold care homes as part of restructuring measures after it fell into administration in April 2019.