The Stockport NHS catering team have retained their status as one of the best healthcare catering sites in the country, following a recent grading.
The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust team have renewed their status as an ‘exemplar site’ as part of an ongoing NHS scheme to enhance hospital food standards across the country, and set standards for others to follow.
They are one of a small number of teams across England, and the only one in Greater Manchester, to be chosen for the honour.
The team provide food both for inpatients across the Stepping Hill Hospital site, and also the hospital restaurant which provides for staff, outpatients and visitors.
To gain the status the team faced assessment in a number of areas, including hygiene, reducing food waste, regular and varied menu cycles, vegetarian options, and ensuring there is a nominated person at trust board level responsible for nutrition & hydration.
The team showed their high standards in areas including nutritional value, healthy options, response to patient feedback as well as support and training for colleagues.
Gareth Hughes, Director of Estates and Facilities for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said; “This is a fantastic accomplishment and one that reflects the dedication, professionalism and pride that the team catering bring to the service every day. Maintaining Exemplar Status is not easy, and to do so while continuing to raise standards and deliver such a high-quality service is something they can all be proud of.
Catering is clearly recognised as an important part of patient care and experience at the hospital, and this renewed status is a real testament to the teamwork and culture of continuous improvement that has been built.”