Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe has been awarded a national Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award for its delivery of end-of-life care.

It was given as part of the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Virtual Awards, which recognises health and social care providers delivering quality care in the final year of life.

The Hughenden Avenue Home provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. It is one of a cohort of 59 GP practices, care homes, retirement villages, and hospital wards which will receive the prestigious GSF quality hallmark across the country during the virtual ceremony.

The Gold Standards Framework Centre, in association with Hospice UK, provides expert training for frontline staff in health and social care, to enable a ‘gold standard’ of care for people nearing the end of life.

Kate Vale’s father David was cared for at the Royal Star & Garter Home for nearly two years before his death in February 2021. Kate said: “I couldn’t have wished for better care especially in his final few days, it was exemplary. They do so many little things that make a big difference, like having someone sit with Dad the whole time, he was never alone. They couldn’t have gone further in caring for him, and I’m delighted that the Home has received this award. It’s well deserved.”

Before the pandemic hit, GSF provided face-to-face workshops, but has successfully adapted and moved online to adhere to Covid regulations. The training has been a huge success, and has supported both families and residents with end-of-life care planning and what matters to them at this time.

High Wycombe Home Manager Reggie Ballos said: “We are delighted to achieve a Gold Standard Framework accreditation. I feel both proud and happy as this is a result of our dedication and passion in providing exceptional care to all residents nearing the end of their lives.”

Julie Armstrong-Wilson, Lead Nurse for GSF, said: “Congratulations to all organisations that have successfully achieved accreditation and reaccreditation. The last year has been an incredibly difficult time for all health and social care providers and taking the time to complete their GSF accreditation is to be commended. Good quality end of life care has never been more important, especially due to the impact of the pandemic we have all faced.”

Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe is welcoming new residents. For more information, visit www.starandgarter.org/hw

To find out more about the Gold Standards Framework, visit https://www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk/