A Poole nursing home has been recognised for the quality of its care.

Birds Hill Nursing Home is the first independent home in Bournemouth and Poole to achieve Beacon Status under the Gold Standard Framwork (GSF) for end-of-life care.

Poole mayor Carol Evans attended the home on Friday to unveil a plaque commemorating the achievement.

One of the owners of the home, Seema Seewooruthun, said: “GSF mirrors our philosophy and has helped us to take our care to the next level; ensuring that residents enjoy their lives, living where they want to be right up to the end. We are so pleased that the hard work of all our staff has been rewarded in this way and we thank the staff for all they do.”

To be accredited, the home had to show that it met the criteria in 20 different areas including leadership, support, dignity and respect, as well as submit a portfolio of evidence. And residents are offered regular reviews where they can share their preferences and choices for their care.

Professor Keri Thomas, GSF national clinical lead, said: “Birds Hill is a beacon for others to follow.”