Two Czajka Care Group nursing homes in West Yorkshire have been recognised for the quality of their end-of-life care.

Staveley Birkleas and Currergate nursing homes have been reaccredited with the prestigious Gold Standard Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award.

Konrad Czajka, managing director of Czajka Care Group, said: “Our ethos is to help each person to live their life to the full, whilst being treated with respect, dignity and maintaining as much independence as possible. As well as achieving all the in-depth assessment criteria for GSF level end-of-life care, the inspectors said they were made to feel very welcome at our homes and noted how friendly the staff are as well as how happy and well cared for the residents are. We are so proud of the whole team for all their dedication and hard work.”

As part of the award, care homes are put through a rigorous assessment programme every three years and team members complete an intensive training programme. Inspectors also carry out a comprehensive review across all areas of care that residents who are nearing the end of their lives receive.

Solmaz Bahadori-Ridge, registered manager at Staveley Birkleas Nursing Home, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded the platinum level of the GSF, which is a step up from our last assessment and shows we are always improving. We are one of only a small number of nursing homes in the North to provide this specialist type of care. We are a friendly and welcoming home, and the inspectors recognised the person-centred care we provide, as well as the dignity and compassion we have for our residents. They highlighted how our residents were happy and the environment felt very much like their own home, and that all the principles of GSF levels of care are embedded in the home. We scored an impressive 58 out of 60 and were praised for our strong leadership and teamwork, as well as for our very supportive relationships with staff and residents.”

Vicky Stainburn, registered manager at Currergate Nursing Home, said: “We have also been awarded the platinum level of the Gold Standard Framework, which is the next level up from our last assessment. As well as a thorough inspection of all our processes and procedures, the GSF inspectors went through a recent loss that was managed by the team and assessed all our actions in great depth. The report highlighted the considerable thought, choices and support we provide our residents and their families, looking at both the medical and pastoral care provided.”