Hospitals were invited to nominate individuals and teams who go ‘above and beyond’ as the unsung heroes of their E&F departments – shining a light on the vital work they contribute across the sector.
After a high number of entries, the independent judging panel, consisting immediate HCA past chair Iain Robertson, Phil Shelley, Amanda Roberts and Neil Hargreaves, were impressed by the standard of work being carried out, noting the strength and impact of all shortlisted nominees.
Each of the winners has been presented with a Fortnum & Mason hamper by Apetito team members, supporting local celebrations of National E&F Day. The winners were:
- Making a Real Difference Award: Kerrey Healey, catering compliance officer at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
- Catering Champion Award: Sharon Gough, catering team leader at Conquest Hospital
- Leading the Way in Sustainability Award: Hotel Services and Catering team at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
- Community Impact Award: Paul Cutler, porter at James Cook University Hospital
- Rising Star Award: Thaize Polizelli De Santana, patient feeding supervisor at Royal Free Hospital
- Team of the Year (England): Community Facilities Team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
- Team of the Year (Wales):Catering Team at St Woolos Hospitals, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- Team of the Year (Scotland): Corporate Catering Team at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Kerrey has delivered ‘exceptional impact’ across NHS catering, combining operational excellence with inspiring leadership. She has driven measurable improvements in compliance, food quality and waste reduction, while supporting and developing colleagues – with over half progressing into promotions.
Sharon has shown ‘outstanding leadership and a true commitment to improving inpatient catering services’. She has delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, reducing food waste and strengthening collaboration between teams to enhance service delivery.
The NHFT Hotel Services and Catering Team have embedded sustainability into everyday operations, delivering measurable impact across their NHS environment. Paul has been recognised for his dedication to supporting his community. Alongside his daily role, he goes above and beyond to raise funds for charitable causes.
Thaize has demonstrated ‘exceptional impact’ early in her career, in just two years rapidly progressing from catering assistant to patient feeding supervisor while obtaining her HCPC registration as a dietitian. She has led projects including a pictorial menu for vulnerable patients and a ‘Free From’ menu removing all 14 allergens.
The Community Facilities Team has at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has delivered ‘outstanding service’ and ‘transformation’ across 13 hospital sites during an organisational restructure. Despite operational and staffing pressures, they maintained exceptional safety, cleanliness and patient satisfaction standards.
The St Woolos Hospital Catering Team have delivered a seamless transformation of patient meal services during significant operational change. They successfully implemented a new cook-freeze model and managed a full kitchen relocation without disrupting patient care.
The NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Corporate Catering Team consistently deliver a large-scale, high-quality patient catering service across multiple sites, displaying exceptional collaboration and governance.