The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust catering team has successfully retained its status as an 'exemplar site' under the national NHS scheme aimed at improving hospital food standards. This places them among a select group of healthcare catering teams across England and makes them the only such team in Greater Manchester to hold this distinction.
Assessment Areas and High Standards
To achieve and maintain this status, the team underwent rigorous assessment across multiple criteria, including hygiene practices, food waste reduction, regular and varied menu cycles, vegetarian options, and the designation of a trust board-level nominee responsible for nutrition and hydration. The team demonstrated exceptional performance in nutritional value, availability of healthy options, responsiveness to patient feedback, and staff support and training.
Recognition of Team Effort
Gareth Hughes, Director of Estates and Facilities for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, praised the team's dedication: “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.”
Services Provided
The catering team provides meals for inpatients at Stepping Hill Hospital, as well as operating the hospital restaurant that serves staff, outpatients, and visitors. Stepping Hill Hospital is located in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
