Stockport NHS Foundation Trust's catering team is celebrating a remarkable achievement, having won two separate national awards that recognize their outstanding standards. The entire team secured first place in the 'Hospital Catering' category at this year's Public Sector Catering (PSC) Awards, which honor the very best in the industry. Additionally, team leader and support services manager Erica Bell was named 'Caterer of the Year' at the annual Hospital Catering Association (HCA) awards, a celebration of high-quality healthcare catering.
Award-Winning Service at Stepping Hill Hospital
The team, comprising chefs and catering assistants, is responsible for providing quality food for inpatients at Stepping Hill Hospital, as well as for staff, visitors, and outpatients in the hospital's restaurant. Their daily routine includes preparing appetizing meals, using high-quality ingredients, ensuring excellent presentation, and reducing waste—all factors that contributed to their PSC award success.
Erica Bell's Leadership Recognized
Erica has led the catering team for the past two years, providing effective, supportive, and inspirational leadership while maintaining high standards. Her dedication has been acknowledged with the HCA Award. The team has previously triumphed at both awards ceremonies, along with receiving other accolades, including the title of 'exemplar site' from NHS England, a benchmark for other catering teams. Last year, apprentice chef Joe Omolo was the joint winner of the 'NHS Chef of the Year' title.
Award Ceremonies and Recognition
Team members received their trophy at the PSC Awards ceremony held at the London Metropole Hotel in Marylebone, which featured comedian and actor Miles Jupp as co-host. Erica received her award at the HCA Leadership and Development Forum at the Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.
Gareth Hughes, director of estates and facilities at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see our catering team being recognized with not just one but two national awards, which shows their amazing dedication and devotion to high standards under Erica’s leadership. We’re all very proud of what they’ve achieved and know that they’ll continue to provide good quality food for our patients, visitors, and colleagues.” Stepping Hill Hospital is located in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
