The Gold Standards Framework (“GSF”) in a nutshell
This is the highest accreditation of care which can be awarded to care homes for end of life / palliative care. It is an industry recognised benchmark and coveted kitemark of excellence. It is awarded for exceptional nursing care, both for residents and in support of their families.
Our homes with GSF accreditation
- Abberton, Colchester. Abberton has held Gold Standards Framework accreditation since 2017. In addition, Abberton was a regional winner at The 2018 Great British Care Awards.
- Newstead, Hereford. Newstead has held GSF accreditation since 2014. In addition, Newstead had two nominations at The West Midlands Regional Great British Care Awards for 2018 and our senior nurse, Jan Wilson won for Palliative / End of Life Care.
- The Lawns, Worcester. The Lawns has held GSF accreditation since 2013, with platinum status for the last three years. In 2019, the home was again awarded platinum status and second place in The GSF Best Care Home Category.
- Summerdyne, Worcestershire. Summerdyne has held GSF accreditation since 2015 and was awarded platinum status in 2018. Also in 2018, Summerdyne was nominated for the Great British Care Awards and in 2017 was awarded in the Top 20 Care Homes for the Midlands by https://www.carehome.co.uk/
What accreditation means?
The Gold Standards Framework was established in 2000 by Dr Keri Thomas, a GP and a multidisciplinary group of physicians and clinicians, specialising in palliative care. Their approach was developed ” from the bedside not the boardroom’- to ensure programmes that were transferable, effective and sustainable in practice.
For more information about the GSF, click the link to their website http://www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk/
The GSF Care Home Training Programme was launched in 2004 as a specific programme of care and support for elderly residents as they near the end of their lives.
The Programme is recognised by all major care home organisations, the CQC (Care Quality Commission), by NHS Choices and by commissioners.
It is the leading and most successful quality improvement programme in the UK, with 50% of all UK registered nursing homes trained.
Accredited care homes are a hallmark of excellence and are awarded the Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award. This lasts for 3 years. Care homes which are re-accredited, showing sustained excellence in care, are known as GSF Platinum Homes.
The GSF training
Their mission statement is:
To deliver training and support that brings about individual and organisational transformation, enabling a ‘gold standard’ of care for all people nearing the end of life.
GSF is a systematic, evidence based approach to optimising care for all patients approaching the end of life, delivered by frontline care providers. They run training programmes that help to support all people approaching their last year/s or so of life.
The GSF aims to provide the right care for the right patient, in the right place at the right time, everytime.
GSF training and accreditation ensures systematic, proactive, person-centred end of life care.
- Residents wishes are met, with person-centred care planning and discussions with residents and their families.
- There is compassion, dignity and respect for residents and their families and staff. Everyone is supported at every stage.
- Training and processes help identify stages of illness of residents, coding triggering actions and ensuring a continuum of care.
- The Framework practices reduce hospital admissions and deaths, hospital bed days and out-of-hours crises.
- There is top quality care experienced by residents and their families and a culture change for staff.
- Staff are empowered to engage in more productive working relationships with GPs and other health and social care professionals.
Some of our comments from the Gold Standards Framework
“Relationship focused philosophy enhancing person-centred care.”
“Enthusiastic and passionate leadership.”
“Staff are supported, well developed and highly skilled in their roles. Everyone I spoke to seemed confident and happy.”
“The home makes every effort to connect with their local community making it a hub for inter-generational activity, fundraisers and social events.”
“Reflective practice is embedded throughout the whole team. There is a tangible interpersonal feel to the home with happy, interactive residents and families.”
“This home has had a new manager in place since January 2019, who has completely embraced GSF and is making a huge success of it. The principles of the framework were clearly embedded within the stable and committed staff team, but the new manager has injected the process with an innovative and creative approach.”