The challenge
Many NHS Trusts face challenges with traditional procurement frameworks that rely on a limited number of national suppliers - offering limited flexibility, choice, or innovation.
Serving over 410,000 people across North Surrey, Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH) set out to redefine patient dining, transforming hospital catering into a hospitality-driven service that prioritises choice, sustainability, and efficiency.
The solution
To achieve this, ASPH worked with their procurement partner Avendra International to develop a new, flexible supplier framework that introduced more choice, improved quality, and enabled a shift to a more agile, locally supported model.
Raouf Mansour, head of catering and housekeeping at ASPH, said: “The Avendra International team didn’t just listen to our vision; they helped us execute it. Working collaboratively with Avendra International, we have created a framework of suppliers following their progression through a tender process. It is flexible, scalable, and available for other NHS Trusts to adopt.”
Key benefits
- Greater Flexibility & Control: allowing the hospital catering team to order two weeks in advance instead of four, adapting quickly to real-time demand.
- Enhanced Food Quality & Choice: partnering with multiple suppliers, including local SMEs, to offer fresher, higher-quality meals and more variety.
- Reduced Food Waste: switching to a frozen model and on-demand cooking to cut waste by up to 10% while improving efficiency.
- Support for Local & Sustainable Sourcing: engaging with regional suppliers to reduce food miles and support community-based businesses.
- Scalable, Compliant Framework: providing a flexible, ready-to-use model for other NHS Trusts to replicate.
Read the full case study: Ashford & St Peter’s NHS: Transforming catering procurement with Avendra International
Let’s talk
To explore how Avendra International can support your goals, come see the local healthcare experts George Bartlett & Rachel Johnson at the NACC/HCA Winter showcase on November 20th at the Salford Community Stadium.
Can’t make the event? No problem, you can reach the healthcare experts directly on 01252 705 214 or email us at Hello_UK@avendra.com.