The Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) presented their 2024 National Awards at a gala reception during their Annual Leadership & Development Forum.
The HCA Awards formed part of the Leadership and Development Forum, held at The Macdonald Aviemore Resort in Cairngorms National Park 16-18th April 2024.
Rob Strachan, head of catering services, Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital, and member of the Wessex Branch, was named as the Caterer of the Year in recognition of the significant contribution he had made to the wellbeing and recovery of patients, the patient experience and to staff and visitors who use the services.
Other award winners included:
Catering Service of the Year – Gosport War Memorial Hospital, represented by Adam Shephard
Rising Star – Clodagh Hastings, Gransha Hospital, Western Health & Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland
Leadership Excellence Award – Sian Langford, Facilities Compliance Manager, The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Hospital
Special Contribution Awards – Karoline Rowlands, North Bristol NHS Trust & Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Chairman’s Choice Award – The Oxford Branch
Wilma Wilkie Outstanding Service Award – Janice Gillan
Best Trade Stand – NH Case
National Chair, Brian Robb said: “I congratulate all the winners, and those that made this year’s shortlist. They are all shining examples of what is good within hospital catering.”
Speaking after the awards, Janice Gillan, National Secretary and recipient of the Wilma Wilkie Outstanding Service Award said that she was “Overwhelmed and humbled” with the recognition. This was echoed by Karoline Rowlands, who was presented with a Special Contribution Award. She said “This was so unexpected; all I have ever wanted to do was to do my job as best as I can. I have never received such a reward so it will probably sink in over the next few days, but I could not be happier.”
