As a provider of food services to the health and care industry, Sodexo understands the critical role nutrition plays in patient recovery, overall health and wellbeing.
Dr Sumi Baruah, chief executive of Culinary Medicine UK, said: "Our collaboration with Sodexo is a significant step towards integrating nutrition education into the professional development of healthcare workers. Together, we are fostering a holistic approach to healthcare that benefits both patients and providers."
Sodexo says it is proud to elevate its offering to the NHS with this new partnership with Culinary Medicine UK. The online education programme will consist of five modules:
- The role of nutrition in health: Exploring the impact of food on health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Culinary skills: Equipping professionals with practical cooking techniques to provide culturally sensitive nutrition advice.
- Nutrition for healthcare professionals: Focusing on the importance of self-nutrition and well-being for healthcare workers.
- Undernutrition: Addressing the challenges and management of malnutrition in clinical settings.
- Introduction to motivational interviewing: Enhancing communication skills to support patient behaviour change regarding dietary habits.
Simon Lilley, director of strategy and marketing at Sodexo Health & Care, added: “Malnutrition affects up to 50% of hospital inpatients, leading to longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. Nutrition is fundamental to patient-centred care, supporting physical recovery, mental health, and long-term disease prevention.
“We are empowering healthcare professionals with comprehensive nutrition education, which will enhance patient outcomes by equipping them with valuable tools to integrate nutrition into daily care routines and support their own wellbeing. We are opening this up to the whole market. Hospitals do not need to have Sodexo provide their patient food to be able to take advantage of this education programme.”
This new initiative is fully endorsed and encouraged by NHS England. Phil Shelley, senior operational manager and national lead for net zero food at NHS England, commented: “By providing healthcare professionals with practical nutrition education, we can improve patient outcomes.
“This partnership promotes a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating culinary skills with medical knowledge, enabling professionals to provide sensitive, person-centred care tailored to individual patient needs. With one of the modules focusing on the nutrition and wellbeing of healthcare professionals, this initiative also supports NHSE’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of those caring for others.”