Trust catering team celebrated at national awards
The catering team supporting South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust has been recognised nationally, receiving Catering Team of the Year at the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) Awards.
The awards took place on 14 April and form part of the HCA Leadership and Development Forum, which celebrates excellence and innovation across healthcare catering.
Delivered in partnership with Medirest, the Trust’s catering team was recognised for its outstanding teamwork, collaboration and patient‑centred approach in a mental health setting, where mealtimes play a meaningful role in patients’ therapeutic journeys.
The service was praised for a range of initiatives that support recovery and independence, including tailored menus for patients with eating disorders and the Urban Kitchen restaurant, where service users develop practical life skills such as budgeting and meal planning ahead of discharge. In particular, the judges commended the catering staff for attending ward meetings, communicating directly with nurses at service time, and adapting meals in real time to support patients who may be reluctant or anxious about eating.
The team has also achieved strong patient feedback, with improvements in PLACE food and hydration scores and increasing satisfaction around menu choice and quality.
Ian Garlington, Better Communities Programme Director at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “I want to congratulate the team on a very well‑deserved award. It’s fantastic to see that their teamwork, consistent focus on patient experience, and commitment to high standards has been recognised. They should all be very proud of the difference they make to our patients through their work.”
Russell Blake, Managing Director – Healthcare, Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “The Catering Team of the Year award could not have gone to a more dedicated and professional group of colleagues. They demonstrate compassion and understanding alongside a real responsibility for delivering high standards. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for delivering performance with heart.”
The award highlights the vital role catering teams play in supporting recovery, dignity and independence within mental health services, and recognises the positive impact of close collaboration between clinical teams and support services across the Trust.
