Causeway Catering Team wins national HCA Award

Congratulations to Robert Wright and the Catering Team at Causeway Hospital who won ‘Catering Team of the Year’ at the national Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) Awards, and to Karen McLaughlin, Northern Trust General Manager who collected the 2021 Leadership and Excellence Award at the recent ceremony held in Liverpool.

The HCA Awards recognise the work and commitment of hospital caterers across four nations in eight categories: Caterer of the Year, Catering Team of the Year, Efficiency and Improvement Award, Special Contribution Award, The Wilma Wilke Outstanding Service Award, Special Contribution Award, Chairman’s Choice, Rising Star Award and Leadership and Excellence Award.

Jeremy Foster, Assistant Director of Corporate Support Services said,

“This is a fantastic achievement.  Winning these awards recognises and showcases the talents, dedication and passion for catering within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

“The Catering Team has improved services for patients through collaborative working to drive fundamental positive change.

“Examples of their service improvement initiatives include: the Emergency Department mealtime service, providing a complete food service and delivering a full menu choice to patients on arrival; remodelling of the coffee shop area to provide a barista high street experience; and, introduction of an outdoor ‘Courtyard Bothy’ retail outlet, with a Christmas market feel.  The Bothy also promoted a ‘walking lunch’ initiative, which encouraged people to come and get a cup of soup or homemade pizza and go for a walk along one of many pathways within the Hospital grounds.”

Highlighting the commitment and dedication of Karen McLaughlin, Jeremy Foster said,

“With over 30 years’ service, from Catering Assistant to her current General Manager role, Karen has always been passionate about an inclusive culture for her staff.  Karen leads by example and is passionate about her services and maintaining high standards.  This award will sit proudly alongside her Caterer of the Year and Catering Team of the Year awards, which she achieved at previous HCA Awards Ceremonies.”

20th May 2022