Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s catering team have been recognised for excellence once again with a shortlisting for a national award.

The team are finalists in the ‘Hospital Catering Team of the Year’ category at this year’s Public Sector Catering Awards, which celebrate the highest standards in the industry.

The team, including chefs and catering assistants, provides quality food for both Stepping Hill Hospital’s inpatients on the wards, and for staff, visitors and outpatients in its restaurant. Their aim is no make patients feel like they are not eating what would be traditionally thought of as “hospital food”, but good quality food that might be found in a home kitchen or in a good restaurant.

They take pride in every step of the process, from ordering high quality fresh ingredients that are receipted each day, to preparing appetising meals, making sure the food is well presented, and that the waste is returned to the kitchen in an efficient manner, so that the next service can start again promptly.

As well as keeping to high nutritional standards, the team work to provide food and recipes from around the world, with special menus developed for theme days including religious, cultural, and other celebrations.

They also pride themselves on being a supportive environment for one another. With a diverse team including several colleagues with learning disabilities, they  work to promote inclusivity giving everyone the support which fits their needs.

The team have triumphed at the Public Sector Catering Awards in previous years, as well as receiving other awards, including the title of ‘exemplar site’ from NHS England for other catering teams to follow.

Stockport NHS Head of Facilities Steve Whitehead said: “Our catering team work hard every day to ensure we provide high quality food for our patients, staff, volunteers and visitors. It’s fantastic to see their dedication and excellence being recognised once again by the Public Sector Catering Awards.”

The Public Sector Catering Awards celebrate the best standards in catering in areas including healthcare, education, care homes, universities, the armed forces and catering colleges. 

The winners of the awards will be announced at the Hilton London Metropole on Thursday 24th April 2024.