Learning disabilities charity Freeways has described an Inadequate CQC rating for a Bristol care home as a “wake up call”.

A CQC inspection of Hillsborough House in Keynsham found dirty bedrooms littered with food wrappers and reported one person had lost significant weight over two months due to a lack of assessment and support.

Another person’s ear spray which should have been administered weekly was given on a daily basis for 27 days.

Additionally, people’s safety was put at risk by protocols such as fire drills not being in place.

Claire Hayward, Freeways’ chief executive, said: “We are deeply disappointed that Hillsborough House received an ‘inadequate’ rating following a CQC inspection in April 2023.

“This is a wake-up call to all of us in the Freeways organisation and is also both exceptional and unexpected given Freeways’ long-established reputation as a centre of excellence in providing support and residential services to adults with learning disabilities.

“While we take some encouragement that a more recent visit by a local authority commissioner recognised the significant remedial action that had already been undertaken and also noted further scheduled improvements, we haven’t reached the standards of excellence we set ourselves.

“Freeways will be working tirelessly to make long-lasting and sustainable improvements to Hillsborough House and to raise it to the excellent standard of all Freeways facilities.”

Freeways operates and manages seven residential care homes, 10 supported living homes and community support across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

The charity said the Inadequate rating was its first in its 35 years of providing support.