A CARE home in Runcorn has been praised for achieving first class standards in its ability to look after terminally ill residents.

Staff at St Luke’s in Palacefields were awarded ‘commend’ status after passing the Gold Standards Framework, a new systematic approach to optimise the care proivided for patients reaching the end of life.

Sue Ashcroft, manager at St Lukes said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious honour. We pride ourselves on the excellent care we provide our residents.

“This accreditation has helped us take our care to the next level, ensuring that residents receive the high-standard of care they deserve, right up to the end of their lives.”

The End of Life team at Halton Haven Hospice has been working with staff at the care home since 2011, providing support and delivering workshops.

Shaun Pollard, chief executive of the hospice said "The hospice and St Lukes have been working together for nearly three years now.

“I'm delighted that all of the hard work has finally paid off with St Lukes being given GSF accreditation. Like us, they aim to give the best possible care to the people they have with them. It's been a great partnership."

GSF is a systematic, evidence based approach to optimising care for all patients approaching the end of life, delivered by generalist care providers. This includes care for people considered to be at any stage in the final years of life or for people with any condition or diagnosis.