The Firs care home: Why good care can’t wait
The Firs care home logo
When the Care Quality Commission (CQC) took urgent action to shut down The Firs care home in Nottinghamshire in April 2025, it exposed a chain of failings that put some of the most vulnerable people in society at risk. From unsafe medication practices to blocked fire exits and ignored whistleblowers, the case stands as a powerful warning for the whole social care sector. For frontline workers, it’s not just another headline – it’s a reminder of why the basics of safe, compassionate care matter every single day.
What went wrong?
Inspectors uncovered serious failings across every area of practice. Medication was mishandled: insulin and antibiotics were stored in a fridge that had been switched off for five days, leaving residents at risk. Some people received overdoses of pain relief, while others – including someone at the end of life – did not get essential medicines when they needed them.
The physical environment was unsafe. Fire exits were blocked, evacuation equipment was missing, and drills had been carried out only twice in four years. Residents with dementia could wander through unlocked doors into hazardous areas.
There were also concerns about staffing and governance. Too few staff had the right training, whistleblowers said their warnings were ignored, and one worker who raised concerns was allegedly dismissed. Residents were left in distressing situations, including one person who waited 15 hours for treatment after a serious injury.
Action taken
The CQC rated all five domains – Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led – as Inadequate. An urgent suspension notice was issued, placing the service into special measures. Shortly afterwards, the provider went into liquidation, leaving families, residents and staff facing huge upheaval.
Why this matters
For care workers, the lessons are clear: the small actions we take every day – giving the right medicine at the right time, checking safety equipment, listening when colleagues raise concerns – can be the difference between dignity and danger. Good governance, open communication and a culture where staff feel safe to speak up are not “extras”; they are the foundation of safe care.
Conclusion
The story of The Firs is sobering, but it also carries an important message: poor practice doesn’t just happen overnight – it builds when warning signs are missed or ignored. As care workers, we have the power to stop that slide by staying vigilant, raising concerns, and holding ourselves and our colleagues to the highest standards. Safe, respectful care is everyone’s responsibility – and together we can make sure that the people we support never face the risks exposed at The Firs.