Worthing-based charity, Care for Veterans on Boundary Road, has been awarded the Quality Hallmark Award at Platinum Status by the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) for its end of life care. This award is given to those homes that have previously been awarded the Beacon status and have maintained GSF standards within their service.
The GSF determines excellence in end of life care, and assesses care homes on their services and procedures which are then rated in different categories.
GSF accredited care homes are a hallmark of excellence in their area, recognised by the Care Quality Commission, NHS Choices and commissioners. Platinum Status is their highest award so is a real achievement for Care for Veterans, which achieved top marks, earning 85 out of 85 total credit points available.
The comprehensive and detailed assessment comprised of a written portfolio of information submitted by the charity, followed by a formal inspection by a GSF representative, then a review by an independent panel who make the final decision.
Valerie Walker, Director of Nursing and Operations at Care for Veterans, said:
“To know that we have maintained the quality of our care to the highest standard is amazing. Although the process was challenging at times, it all paid off as receiving top marks and Platinum Status is evidence that we are doing a really good job. I want to thank all the staff who contributed to the work in order for us to achieve this brilliant result and who provide such excellent end of life care for our veterans.”
The award will be presented to Valerie Walker and also Pauline Wylie, Ward Sister, who leads on end of life care, at the Annual GSFCH Award Ceremony in London in April.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
About Care for Veterans
Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was established in 1919 – the charity celebrates its centenary this year.
Care for Veterans is a registered charity, providing care and rehabilitation for physically disabled ex-Service personnel and their families. Our residents’ needs are complex and many have multiple disabilities. Many have an Acquired Brain Injury and some have neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis. Others are paralysed or do not have use of their limbs and some are terminally ill. We support on average 140 residents a year.
We care for up to 60 residents at any one time.
Our residents are aged between 33 and 100.
Our residents represent the tri-services: Royal Navy, Army and RAF.
Services at Care for Veterans include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, an active social and recreation department, rehabilitation kitchen, a chaplaincy service, counselling, IT facilities, a rehabilitation garden, sensory room, coffee shop and function room and regular outings on our specially adapted coach.
With no regular government funding, Care for Veterans must raise over £1.9 million each year to maintain its nursing and rehabilitation services for ex-Servicemen and women.
Care for Veterans
Gifford House, Boundary Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 4LJ
Telephone 01903 218444
www.careforveterans.org.uk
fundraising@careforveterans.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1072334
