To celebrate Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day 2024, leading meals provider, apetito, has crowned six estates and facilities heroes that are going above and beyond for the sector.

In the spirit of recognising the essential work of those working within the E&F professions, apetito launched a nationwide competition to its Healthcare customers allowing them to nominate the stars of their E&F departments with the chance of winning a luxury Fortnum & Mason hamper from the meal provider to say “thank you” for all that they do.

After receiving a significant number of entries all worthwhile of praise and celebration, six winning heroes have been chosen for the following categories: Making a Real Difference, Leading the Way in Ethics and Sustainability and Enhancing Health and Wellbeing.

Making a Real Difference: Winner – The Grounds and Gardens Team at James Cook University Hospital

The Grounds and Gardens team went above and beyond to support a charity appeal to transform the courtyard of the chemotherapy unit and provide a tranquil and comforting area for patients receiving treatment. The team showed undeniable passion and enthusiasm to carry out the initiative and give something back to the unit, particularly since many friends or family members had previously received treatment there.

Winner – Steve Kemp, Estates Maintenance Manager at Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Steve received numerous nominations from colleagues that expressed his approachable and compassionate nature and willingness to always offer help and advice to both new, and old, members of the team. Putting both his staff and patients at the forefront of everything he does, Steve is seen as a beacon of support and knowledge within the department, always going that extra mile for anyone that needs it.

Leading the Way in Ethics and Sustainability: Winner – Serco Patient Catering Team at University Hospital Southampton

Over the last 6 months, the Patient Catering Team has championed sustainability and made significant strides towards the NHS’ goal of Net Zero by 2040. Through working collaboratively, the team has carried out initiatives to reduce the amount of plastic packaging of menu items, increase recycling rates across 50 hospital wards and minimise the amount of plate waste.

Winner – Tom Baker, Facilities Manager in Catering at East London NHS Foundation Trust

Tom has shown a real passion in driving sustainable business practices through introducing numerous schemes that have delivered positive benefit. These include several initiatives to reduce the amount of food wastage across sites, such as hot plate recovery, a “Don’t Bin It, Eat It” campaign in kitchens to use up raw produce and composting, which have so far collectively seen food waste reduce from 80kg per day across all sites to only c.10kg per day.

Enhancing Health and Wellbeing:Winner – Amanda Vickery, Catering Operations Manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Leading in Health and Wellbeing for the department, Amanda has developed strong relationships with all her team by showing great empathy and understanding and having an always “open door” policy. Putting the team’s wellbeing at the forefront has fostered a supportive working environment that allowed her team members to excel in their careers, giving them theconfidence to take on additional training and responsibilities.

Winner – Beata Wiszniewska, Hostess at St. George’s Hospital

Beata consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every patient receives dignified and personalised care, including nutritionally balanced food that not only supports their recovery, but that equally brings them joy with every mouthful! Every single day Beata delivers compassion through her role and liaises with others across the department to provide stand-out care to all.

To find out more about apetito’s services, please check out: apetito.co.uk/our-service/hospital-meal-services