In 2023, Barnet Hospital received recognition after achieving NHS ‘Exemplar’ status across catering, portering and cleaning. It was just the second hospital to achieve all three elements of recognition within the NHS.
Dame Ruth took the time to meet colleagues from across catering, portering and cleaning services, as well as nursing and Infection Prevention and Control teams, to understand the working relationships.
Commenting on her visit, Dame Ruth said: “It was great to visit Barnet Hospital and meet the staff there, who are delivering ‘Exemplar’ site services across portering, catering and cleaning. These teams have incredibly important roles to play in supporting excellence in infection prevention and control and helping to deliver high quality patient care each and every day.”
Phil Shelley, chair of the NHS Food Review and senior operational & policy manager from NHS England, also attended to meet the teams.
He added: “I am proud of the high standards demonstrated by Barnet’s portering, catering and cleaning teams, which have led them to achieve triple ‘Exemplar’ status. It’s wonderful that Dame Ruth was able to meet with these teams and see how support services and clinical teams, including nursing colleagues, are working in partnership to deliver the best possible care for patients.”