A KIDDERMINSTER nursing home has achieved the highest possible national rating for its standard of care for the second time.

Brookdale Nursing Home, in Blakebrook, has been awarded the Gold Standard Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award, a rare industry accreditation which rates care homes on excellence in end of life care, family relations and medical support.

The last time the Wyre Forest home was given top marks was in 2011 after being awarded gold status.

Care homes are accredited every three years and are awarded the top rating for a second time if staff show not only they have maintained, but have improved standards.

Liz Baker, care manager, said: “My whole team continues to work tirelessly to improve the already excellent levels of care we provide.

“We received the top standard three years ago so being awarded it this time round would mean trying to improve even further.

“That was no easy task and every single member of the team has made a contribution.”

GSF Care Homes, who gave the award, praised the home for its advanced care planning, weekly review meetings which evaluate every resident’s health, and its rapid discharge plan which allows residents to quickly return to the home if they are admitted to hospital.

Mrs Baker said: “I think the variety of initiatives we’ve introduced have made all the difference.

“We have a dedicated GP who knows every resident, hospital admissions have been reduced and through our regular meetings we are on top of any resident queries or one-to-one support they need.

“We are passionate about being there for our residents through our end of life care programme, but we also see how important it is to encourage relatives to be part of life at the home and part of our extended family.”

“We are so proud.”

Mrs Baker and deputy manager, Claire Brookes, will collect the award on September 26 at a ceremony held at the Institute of Education, in London.