Gold Standard Framework
What does it mean?
The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) is a nationally recognised framework that helps care providers deliver compassionate, person-centred end-of-life care. It helps us recognise changing needs early, plan care around individual wishes and strengthen communication with families and healthcare professionals, ensuring everyone receives the right care at the right time, with dignity and respect.
How does it benefit us?
Being part of the Gold Standards Framework helps us provide proactive, coordinated and person-centred care. It enables us to recognise changing needs, plan ahead and ensure individual wishes and preferences are respected, while strengthening communication with families and healthcare professionals. Above all, it helps us promote dignity, comfort and quality of life while ensuring families receive the support and guidance they need.
Gold Standard Framework
Needs Support Matrix
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As part of the GSF, individuals can be identified using a colour-coded system that helps care professionals recognise changing needs and plan appropriate support.
These stages help us understand when someone may benefit from additional monitoring, conversations about their wishes or increased care and support. This allows us to respond proactively and ensure care remains appropriate to each person's individual circumstances.
Below is the summary of the colour-coded system.
Understanding the GSF colour-coded stages
Blue – Stable
Individuals whose health conditions are relatively stable and who are not considered to be approaching the final year of life. The focus is on maintaining wellbeing, reviewing needs and establishing good communication.
Green – Unstable
Individuals experiencing changes in their health or circumstances. Regular reviews, communication and discussions about future care become increasingly important.
Amber/Orange – Deteriorating
Individuals whose health is deteriorating and whose needs may be increasing. More frequent reviews, symptom assessments and coordination with healthcare professionals help ensure appropriate support.
Red – Dying
Individuals recognised as being in the final days of life. The focus is on comfort, dignity, personalised care, respecting wishes and supporting families and loved ones.
Purple – After Death Care
Support continues after someone has died. This includes communicating with and supporting loved ones, providing bereavement information and ensuring appropriate after-death procedures are followed.
Further Information
and Helpful Resources
We believe that having access to the right information can help individuals and their families feel more informed, supported and confident when making decisions about care.
Below, you can find a selection of resources relating to the Gold Standards Framework, advance care planning and the different stages of care. We encourage individuals, families and loved ones to explore these resources and learn more about the support available.
GSF BLUE Core Care Plan
GSF GREEN Core Care Plan
GSF AMBER Core Care Plan
GSF RED Core Care Plan
GSF PURPLE Core Care Plan
Rockford Frailty Score