Sunrise, which acquired Gracewell in 2014, have committed all 45 of their UK-wide care homes to membership of the NACC, a body that champions high quality care catering in the UK.
Neel Radia, chair of the NACC, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare communities as members of the NACC. The NACC is dedicated to supporting its members with the right advice and guidance to ensure the lives of those entrusted to their care are enriched through access to good nutrition and hydration and a dignified approach to dining.
“By giving each of their communities access to the benefits NACC membership provides, Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare are empowering chefs and care staff on the frontline with the latest advice and tools to ensure continued excellence in care catering provision. This action will certainly have an incredibly positive impact on employee development and the enjoyment and wellbeing of residents, and is to be applauded."
The membership means all head chefs and dining services coordinators working at any of their care communities will have full access to the NACC’s various forums and competitions, as well as the ability to attend a range of events and training programmes.
Christopher Dean, director of dining and procurement at Sunrise Senior Living, added: “I feel it essential that every site should be joined to the NACC so they have direct access to the body that champions Care Catering in the UK. They now have direct access to resources, forums, CQC guidance, nutrition & hydration guidance, quarterly events plus training and networking.
“The NACC hold events such as the Care Cook of the Year, as well as National Awards, all of which we encourage our sites to enter. Now every Sunrise and Gracewell Head Chef in the country will have access to the multiple benefits that come with NACC membership, which will only help us further as we continue to provide outstanding catering for all of our residents.”