A care home has been placed in special measures and warned its future could be threatened after a damning report by inspectors.

White Ash Brook, in Oswaldtwistle, was rated ‘inadequate’ for being safe, effective, responsive and well-led, following two three-day inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It was also found to ‘require improvement’ for care standards.

The CQC has now ordered the care home, on Thwaites Road, to be placed in special measures and warned enforcement procedures could be carried out preventing the provider from operating unless sufficient improvement is made.

A report by the CQC reported that concerns had been raised before the inspection about inadequate staffing levels, medication errors, incidents of assaults between dementia sufferers and people not getting enough drinks.

The report said staffing levels were ‘not sufficient to ensure people’s care and welfare’ and residents said they did ‘not get the attention they needed when they needed it’.

Inspectors also found ‘shortfalls’ in the ordering, administration and disposal of people’s medicines that ‘could result in mishandling or error’.

Other areas of concern raised included a lack of infection control management, lack of supervision at meal times and support for staff providing care, gaps in people’s charts, insufficient information and irregular supervision and training.

White Ash Brook told the Observer that a number of new measures have been introduced following the report.

Responding to the CQC report, a spokesperson said: “We are aware of the findings but can confirm over the last three months since the inspection took place a new manager has taken up post, along with a new regional manager and head of operations.

“The management team have been working hard to support the staffing team to improve the required areas in order to ensure residents are safe and well cared for.

“We have been working closely with the various authorities who have been supportive to ensure the changes made at the home are maintained.

“Care home staffing levels have been increased by 25 per cent which is having a positive impact on all areas of care delivered.”