Five year meal deal for Sodexo

The contract, awarded to Sodexo by Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, began on 1 February 2009 at the two sites in Ascot and Slough. Sodexo is employing approximately 120 people to provide patients at both hospitals with a broader range of meal options from Bonne Santé; the company's new, plated three-course 'a la carte' menu, designed to suit a wider variety of tastes and dietary needs. The new system will allow patients to order food from a Sodexo hostess between 7:30 am and 7.00 pm, seven days a week, and up to two hours in advance of meal times, instead of 24 hours as previously. This will not only ensure that patients receive the meals they want, at a time convenient for them and for the requirements of the ward, but also that nurses will no longer have to prepare meals outside of core times, serve beverages or clear away afterwards. Food will be prepared on the wards so that it is at optimum temperature when served to patients, who can now choose from a greater number of hot and cold starters, main courses and desserts, and a separate children's menu for the children's ward. Patients with specific dietary requirements, such as Halal, Kosher, Afro-Caribbean, or soft and pureed food, will be catered for in the main kitchens. Sodexo has also refurbished dining areas at both hospitals; offering patients, Trust staff and visitors increased choice with its YOO retail catering brand. A YOO hospitality offer will be introduced to allow members of the Trust and others to arrange their requirements online. Sodexo's project manager Alastair Wilson said: "We are delighted the NHS has selected us to provide catering services at Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals. We look forward to providing patients with nutritious food to suit their varying preferences and needs."