The national trade body of hospital caterers, Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), has announced the winners of its annual awards ceremony.

The awards were due to be announced at the HCA Forum which was postponed as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. Yet the HCA felt it was important to recognise the outstanding commitment and dedication shown by those working in healthcare catering and patient service by announcing the winners in lieu of the ceremony.

Craig Smith, Chair of the HCA commented: “In these unprecedented circumstances, I’m constantly amazed by the dedication and resilience of our members in continuing to step up to the task at hand and go above and beyond. These awards are a celebration of the excellence and innovation we see daily, and it is our hope that they provide a morale boost at this challenging time.”

Nicola Strawther, winner of the Efficiency and Improvement Award alongside her colleague Chris Neale commented: “We were delighted to receive the fantastic news that we won. I want to thank the HCA for choosing our project as the winner, it was a huge team effort and we will ensure the team are recognised for the hard work involved. We very much appreciate it and feel very humbled and honoured to be chosen.”

Karoline Rowlands, the South West Branch Chair, winners of the Chairman's Choice Award, commented: “The South West Branch were delighted and feel extremely proud to have been awarded Chairman’s Choice for 2020. It is a great achievement which publicly recognises the terrific commitment, enthusiasm and support the branch receives from all of its members. We feel truly honoured to have received it. Thank you”.

The winners

Caterer of the Year 2020, sponsored by Hobart UK

Winner: Tony O’Hara, Senior Manager Patient Experience, South Eastern (Northern Ireland Branch)

Finalists: Chris Neale & Nicola Strawther, Nottingham University Hospital NHS trust (Trent Branch)

Caterer Service of the Year 2020, sponsored by NH Case

Winner: Catering Team – NHS Ayrshire & Arran (West of Scotland Branch)

Finalists: Catering Services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (Trent Branch)
Catering Team, Acute Catering, South Eastern Trust (Northern Ireland Branch)

Efficiency & Improvement Award, sponsored by Hefma

Winner: Chris Neale & Nicola Strawther, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust (Trent Branch)

Finalists: Joe Gilbey, Retail Lead, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (West of Scotland Branch)
Catering Strategy Team, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (West of Scotland Branch)

Special Contribution Award, sponsored by HCA

Winner: Paul Kavanagh

National – Rising Star Award, sponsored by HCA,

Winner: Wendy Bone, Deputy Catering Manager, NHS Ayrshire & Arran (West of Scotland Branch)

National – Leadership & Excellence Award, sponsored by HCA,

Winner: Karen McLaughlin, Deputy Community Services Manager, Northern Health & Social Care NHS Trust (Northern Ireland Branch)

Finalist: Chris Neale, Nottingham University Hospital NHS trust (Trent Branch)

Chairman’s Choice, sponsored by HCA

Winner: South West Branch

Finalists: Northern Ireland Branch, Trent Branch, Wales Branch and West of Scotland Branch