Woodlands House Wins National Award for Providing Outstanding Palliative and End of Life Care

Woodlands House operated by leading care provider Hartford Care has been awarded a national Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award for its delivery of end-of-life care during the pandemic.

The Award was given to Woodlands House 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.

Woodlands House in Woodlands, New Forest, is one of 42 care homes, primary care, domiciliary care agency and hospitals which will receive the prestigious GSF quality hallmark across the country during the virtual ceremony.

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

Before the pandemic hit, GSF provided face-to-face workshops, but have successfully adapted and moved online to adhere to COVID-19 regulations. The training has been a huge success and has supported both families and patients to discuss end of life care planning and what matters to them at the end of life.

Julie Armstrong-Wilson, Lead Nurse for GSF said: “Congratulations to all 12 organisations that have successfully achieved accreditation and reaccreditation. The last two years have posed some incredible challenges to the health and social care workforce, so we are very proud of all of our successful applicants that took the time to submit their portfolios of evidence.

“We have also seen another 30 organisations demonstrate the sustainability of GSF and successfully receive the GSF Platinum Award (organisations that have been accredited more than once). The GSF team are so very proud of all our Award Winners, as there has never been a more important time to ensure we deliver quality end of life care, well done to you all!”

Repeka Taukei, Manager of Woodlands House, said: “I am so proud of my team for achieving the Quality Hallmark Award. Woodlands House achieved Beacon Status in 2019 and we are delighted we have been able to continue providing exemplary care through our investment in end-of-life care.

“We all want to ensure that our residents have all the comfort and care they need so that they pass away with dignity, respect and without pain according to their wishes.”