Kitchen staff at hospital find the recipe for success
The team behind patient meals at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has been honoured for its dedication to putting fresh, healthy and locallysourced produce on the menu. Since 2017, work has been underway to design and test new recipes, transforming the range of options available for inpatients at the hospital. Healthy and nutritious food supports patients in their recovery, both physically and mentally. They have now been named the Trust’s Team of the Year at the annual New Year’s Honours Awards ceremony, held at the Assembly Rooms in Bath. Staff were presented with the award by actor Kris Marshall, best known for starring roles in television shows My Family and Death in Paradise, and the film Love Actually. Catering and quality systems manager Jason Joyce said: “The kitchen staff really went on a journey and they rose to the challenge. “They have all supported each other as they’ve learnt new skills, and we’re really proud of the fresh and tasty food that we send out each day for our patients.” The catering team was just one of the Trust teams and individuals recognised for achievements in 2018 at the awards ceremony. Brian Stables, chairman of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, paid tribute to the staff members shortlisted for accolades. He said: “Every year we’re impressed by the innovation, dedication and passion demonstrated by our awards nominees. “The special thing about the awards is that nominations are made by staff. “Anyone can make a nomination for a team or individual who’s making a difference to the care we’re offering our patients, either directly or indirectly.”
OTHER RUH AWARD WINNERS
Most Innovative Team of the Year: Academy Library. Chief Executive’s Highly Commended Team of the Month award: Respiratory ward with colleagues from Chaplaincy, Palliative Care and Art at the Heart. Chief Executive’s Customer Care of the Year Award: Jasmin Grant and Freya Crawford, staff nurses in intensive care. Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Award: Veronica Lyell, consultant. Research and Development Award: Sandi Derham, occupational therapist clinical specialist. Personal Achievement Award: Andrew Owens, associate audiologist; Zara Murphy, physiotherapist; Nathan Jones, anticoagulation pharmacist; Sonya James, healthcare science assistant in cardiology. Outstanding Student of the Year Award: Stephen Norman, trainee nursing associate. Volunteer of the Year Award: Martin Fricker and Fudge, a Pets as Therapy dog; Malcolm Pearce, The Forever Friends Appeal. Nursing and Midwifery Care and Compassion Award: Loraine Dury, healthcare assistant. Nursing and Midwifery Making a Difference Award: Karen Skelley, chemotherapy nurse specialist. Nursing and Midwifery Nurse of the Year Award: Emma Girling, acute oncology nurse specialist.