Held on Thursday 11th May 2023 at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, the event was organised by Haley-mae Downer, Compass Group UK & Ireland business development director at One Retail, and Tim Radcliffe net zero food programme manager at NHS England and chair of the NHS 24/7 clinical panel.
It saw the industry come together to share best practice and insights on the recently mandated 24/7 food provision - as announced in the National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink.
The event was opened by Philip Shelley, NHS England’s chair of the NHS Review of Hospital Food, who outlined the standards and what they mean for patients and staff, describing them as a tool for Trusts and that they should use them as an advantage.
He was followed by Tim Radcliffe, who talked about the opportunity for all; and Neely Mozawala, Compass’ social value lead and founder of the campaign ‘No Hungry Staff’, who highlighted the importance of nutritious, delicious and affordable food, as a health and wellbeing necessity that will benefit NHS staff. Ian Howson from Northampton General Hospital acted as a case study for delivering 24/7.
Shelley said: “We know that providing great, healthy food for NHS staff is the right thing to do. The event helped to drive this agenda, taking our collaborative approach to the next level. Thank you to everyone that attended and shared insights.”
Exhibitors aimed to offer solutions to support with the initiative, they included Change Please, The Cuisine Centre, Field Doctor and SoftBank Robotics among others. A live cooking demo highlighted the importance of reducing food waste as well as cooking healthy and tasty meals.
Mozawala added: “We have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of the one and a half million people working for the NHS – that’s really inspiring. They all deserve to have access to nutritious food, whether they are working day or night. It’s our job to look after these brilliant people, who look after all of us.”
The 24/7 No Hungry Staff campaign is calling for ambassadors to support the initiative at hospital level. To register your interest: https://mailchi.mp/8af04c1add9b/ambassador-registration.