In an awards ceremony at the Hilton Metropole Birmingham, which was part of the HCA’s annual conference, he got the vote of judges ahead of fellow shortlisted finalists Bruce Cross, Cornwall Food Operations manager, and Tony Wealleans, catering manager at Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
Isabella Dickie of West of Scotland branch won the Wilma Wilkie Outstanding Service Award. Recently retired after a career of more than 42 years in hospital catering, she played a significant role in helping the HCA prepare its Good Practice Guides.
Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, led by Pam Miller, associate director of facilities, won the Catering Service of the Year, while the Chairman’s Choice Award was presented to the HCA’s Trent branch.
The Trade Stand Award was given to the Good Food Company.
Caroline Lecko of Patient Health England was made an honorary patron member of the HCA, and the organisation presented Past Chair medals to Anne Shore, Mike Hall, Mark Hayman, Neil Watson-Jones, Alison McCree, Pam Miller and Janice Gillan.