TWO Airedale Hospital wards have received a coveted accolade.

Wards six and nine at the Steeton site have been awarded the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) accreditation, in recognition of their “commitment to delivering excellent end-of-life care”.

GSF is a national scheme which encourages healthcare professionals to initiate care planning conversations with patients who have life-limiting conditions.

Laura Brady, senior sister on Ward 9, said: “GSF means so much to staff, our patients and their families.

“It offers support when the future seems quite bleak.

“We explore what is important to patients and families and, with their permission, share their needs and wishes around end-of-life care with other health professionals to deliver care in the right place at the right time.”

Fiona Widdowson, end-of-life care facilitator, said: “We are committed to delivering excellent end-of-life care across the district, whether in hospital or at home, and we’re proud to have two wards fully accredited to this scheme.”