About the HCA

Founded in 1948, the HCA is a national organisation with Branches in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The aims and objectives of the Association focus on the promotion and improvement of the standards of catering in hospitals and healthcare establishments in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and elsewhere; the education and training of persons in healthcare catering services, and the provision and improvement of the professional interests and status of those engaged in healthcare catering services.

There are 17 HCA Branches nationally, which are geographically based in order to facilitate the establishment of easier communication networks.

Each year a different Branch organises the Association’s Annual Conference, which is a national event for Members and Trade Suppliers, many of whom are Associate Members or Patrons of the Association.

The Delegates will be made up from healthcare catering managers, hotel services and facilities professionals and suppliers, nutritionists and dietitians, representatives from the Department of Health, NPSA, LACA, NACC, the MoD and other interested parties, who are all decision makers, working at a high level within their organisations.