NHS England (NHSE), alongside Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Medirest and One Retail sectors, hosted over 100 people last week from across the NHS, innovative suppliers and food experts such as chefs and dietitians, to discuss the way forward for the provision of 24/7 Hospital Food.
Held at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, the event was organised by Haley-mae Downer, Compass Group UK & Ireland, Business Development Director, One Retail and Tim Radcliffe, NHSE’s, Chair of NHS 24/7 clinical panel. It saw the industry come together to share best practice and insights on the recently mandated 24/7 food provision - as announced in the National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink.
The event was opened by Phil Shelley, NHS England’s Chair of the NHS Review of Hospital Food, who outlined the standards and what they mean for patients and staff, describing them as a tool for Trusts, and that they should use them as an advantage. He was followed by Tim Radcliffe, who talked about the opportunity for all, and Neely Mozawala (pictured), Compass’ Social Value Lead and Founder of the campaign ‘No Hungry Staff’, who highlighted the importance of nutritious, delicious and affordable food, as a health and wellbeing necessity that will benefit NHS staff. “This is so important,” Neely says. “We know that good food aids mental and physical wellbeing and we know that people in the NHS deserve this support, especially during the cost of living crisis. Trusts have a responsibility, but businesses do too - let’s work together to leave behind a legacy that we can all be proud of.”
Ian Howson from Northampton General Hospital provided a case study of his experience of delivering 24/7.
Innovative exhibitors aimed to offer solutions to support with the initiative, including Change Please; The Cuisine Centre; Field Doctor and SoftBank Robotics. A live cooking demo highlighted the importance of reducing food waste and cooking healthy and tasty meals.
At the end of the day, NHS delegates were invited to participate in a round table debate, which encouraged sharing information around the specific challenges faced by individual catering services, as well as solutions that others had applied. The discussion was positive, with suggestions highlighting different ways of approaching the provision of 24/7 food and drink and getting the support of the Trust Board.
Philip Shelley says: “We know that providing great, healthy food for NHS staff is the right thing to do. The event helped to drive this agenda, taking our collaborative approach to the next level. Thank you to everyone that attended and shared insights.”
Mark Webster, Compass One Managing Director adds: “We have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of the one and a half million people working for the NHS – that’s really inspiring. They all deserve to have access to nutritious food, whether they are working day or night. It’s our job to look after these brilliant people, who look after all of us.”
The 24/7 No Hungry Staff campaign is calling for ambassadors to support the initiative at hospital level. Register your interest here.
