Agenda item

The Chairman invited to the table:

·         Annabel Eady - Contract Director, Medirest

Ms Eady explained that she was the Contract Director for Barnet Hospital (BH) Chase Farm Hospital (CFH) and Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust (BEHMHT), managing food, domestics and portering.

Ms Eady presented a sample of ‘Steamplicity’ packaged food ready for microwaving with a valve to help maintain nutrients. The meals were prepared centrally in collaboration with dieticians. She had already sent a variety of menus to be included in the agenda but gave some more to the Committee at the meeting. She reported that at CFH meals could be ordered at two hours’ notice. She noted that BH has protected meal times. There is a choice of 29 hot meals, sandwiches and soups. Chilled food was delivered every other day and she said wastage is under 2%. She commented that as many of the ingredients as possible are locally sourced with around 60% being UK grown.

A Member was most impressed that there was also a choice of six vegan meals on the menu.

A Member reported that at CFH the coffee shop which had replaced the Staff/Visitor Restaurant was not ideal, with limited choice and poor signage. Ms Eady responded that at CFH hot food had not generated sufficient income. The limited amount of space in the shop was a serious problem and work was ongoing to find a solution.  She informed the Committee that the Coffee Shop was run by Costa.

The Chairman reported that at BH she had found the food at the Staff/Visitor Restaurant to be correctly labelled and it looked appetising, with free water available. She also mentioned that three meals on the menu were healthy eating options below 500 calories. She thanked Ms Eady for attending the meeting and giving such an informative presentation.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the verbal report.