The Hospital Caterers Association was proud to hold their annual Leadership & Development Forum recently at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
We were delighted to welcome Dr Rupy Aujla, who is well known for his work on culinary medicine and a well-known face on the TV screen, as our Forum Facilitator. Over the two-day Forum, delegates received updates on the work being conducted by the Association and how the national healthcare food & drinks standards are being adopted throughout England. Branch representatives from the other three nations also had an opportunity of highlighting their good practice.
After the keynote speech from Simon Corben, Director, NHS Estates, the delegates heard from Charlotte Fairall, mother of Sophie, and how Sophie’s legacy of improving things for children and their parents in hospital has inspired so many to do that much better. Kate Pye, Deputy Chief Nurse for NHS England was also on hand to add her personal support to these initiatives.
Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse we welcome returnees, telling us about their work with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and how it has the personal support of HM King Charles III. The Foundation’s mission is to bring about positive change by focusing on medical research, law and policies, educating and raising allergy awareness. We want to ensure the needs of people living with allergy are met in a meaningful way and to offer a real hope that will change the lives of all those living with this life-threatening disease.
The delegates enjoyed three illuminating workshops on Eating for Health, 24/7 feeding for all staff and an update from around the Four Nations that also addressed the issues of sustainability and procurement.
NHS England and SPINK were also on stage outlining their aims and objectives in achieving Net Zero within hospital catering, whilst NFU President, Minette Batters gave the farmers’ perspective on local and regional procurement and how buying British can positively influence the purchasing patterns within the public sector.
Alongside the forum nearly 90 exhibitors promoted their products and services to delegates over the two days.
The HCA Awards were the high point of the Presidents Dinner, where the Association also said a sad farewell to their long standing Vice President, Mark Hayman who was standing down after 12 years in that role. Mark has been a member for over 45 years and has held many important positions at Branch and National level.
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