Catering staff at Nottingham University Hospitals are celebrating after an innovative patient menu was nominated for a prestigious national award. The Trust is the only NHS organisation in the country to be shortlisted in the ‘Catey Awards’ which honour innovation and expertise in catering and hospitality.

The team have been shortlisted in the Public Sector Caterer Award for their Memory Menu initiative which aims to keep patients well-nourished throughout their recovery by offering tempting meal choices.

The menu was developed by engaging with those who use the hospital’s catering services most and was praised in the Trust’s recent Care Quality Commission inspection report as ‘outstanding’ practice. 

It’s the latest in a string of nominations for the Memory Menu initiative, after winning first prize at the recent Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA) and shortlisted in the Cost Sector Catering Awards, which take place later this month (April).

Chris Neale, Assistant Head of Facilities at NUH, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Memory Menu initiative, as it puts the thoughts, ideas and opinions of our patients at the very heart. Our team worked hard to design a hospital menu which focusses on the huge impact that food has on our health and wellbeing.

“To be the only NHS Trust nominated in the awards, alongside household names such as chef Tom Kerridge and Marriott Hotels, is a fine reward for our staff who put so much into making this a success.”

The winners of the Catey Awards will be revealed on Tuesday 2 July at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.