Dishing up the best: NHFT rated joint top place for food
NHFT has been recognised for securing a joint top position among mental health trusts for food quality. This best ranking places NHFT alongside Greater Manchester and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership Foundation Trusts.
The results were part of the 2024 Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE), published by NHS England in February. The PLACE assessments evaluate the non-clinical aspects of care, such as food quality, cleanliness, and privacy, with the insights gathered from both staff and patients. This year's findings are based on 1,107 assessments across various NHS and independent / private healthcare settings.
Café Vie provide catering facilities at all NHFT main sites and have outlets at Berrywood Hospital, St Mary's Hospital in Kettering and Danetre Hospital. Café Vie offers a wide range of hot meals, including breakfast, sandwiches, paninis, salads, hot and cold drinks and snacks.
In addition to NHFT's top ranking for food, Leicestershire Partnership Trust claimed the highest score for cleanliness and shared the top spot for privacy, dignity, and well-being.
Anne Rackham, Chief Operating Officer for NHFT said:
"We are extremely proud to be recognised as joint best mental health trust provider for food in England. For us, mealtimes are more than just a chance to eat - it's an opportunity to provide an enjoyable and nutritious experience that helps boost overall health and a positive mood.
"Quality food can make such a difference in how patients feel and NHFT values mealtimes as an important part of recovery and well-being. This supports our vision to be a leading provider of outstanding compassionate care.
"This top score is a great reflection of the dedication of our Café Vie teams in making the patient and service user experience as best as it can be. Congratulations to our Café Vie colleagues, we get a fantastic service as a hospital community, I regularly go and check out all the options and often chose a jacket potato with a variety of toppings!"