Stepping down after over ten years in the post he will be succeeded by Simon Clark, head of catering at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Lay, said: “This year has been quite emotional as I have decided to stand down from organising this wonderful event. Ten years or so have simply flown by.
“I would like to thank Phil and his fellow National Officers for the wonderful gift - I will treasure it for ever and it will serve as a continual reminder of the dedicated and talented staff that it's been my pleasure to meet, work with and hopefully encourage over the years.
“It is a testament to the importance of good hospital food, that despite difficult times, Trusts and Boards still see food as a key component of good patient care and will support their staff to showcase their services and talents by attending the competition.”
The competition takes place every two years at Hotelympia within the Salon Culinaire competition.