Challenge: Royal Brompton needed to achieve a Silver Food for Life award within two years, which meant sourcing suppliers able to meet strict sustainability and organic-content standards without disrupting menus or budgets.
Solution: Avendra International supported the hospital's catering team with supplier sourcing and procurement management, helping identify suppliers that met Food for Life requirements, including a minimum of 5% organic food.
Results: Royal Brompton achieved the Silver Food for Life award in under 12 months, reached a 98% patient satisfaction score, gained Red Tractor accreditation, and is now working towards Gold standard and a bedside digital meal ordering system.
Nuno Matias, Catering Services Manager for Royal Brompton Hospital explains how, with support from Avendra International, the organisation has achieved a Silver Food for Life award – and has its sights now set on attaining Gold.
The challenge: earning a Food for Life award in NHS catering
Trust has a big drive on the environment, sustainability and food waste, by achieving the Silver Food for Life, it is in line with all our targets of the Trust.
Having opened the account with the Soil Association, I set myself a target of achieving the award in two years, based on my previous experience of gaining the bronze award. A lot of work goes into choosing suppliers that could provide the right products at the right price while meeting the Food for Life standards. I had previously selected suppliers, but if there was an issue with stock, for example, it took a lot of time working to identify alternative products, adjust menus and manage budgeting spreadsheets.
It was at this point, however, that colleagues at the Guys & St Thomas’ Trust introduced me to Avendra International. I’m used to working with management consultants, so I could understand what Avendra International could do from a supplier management point of view. I thought it would be ideal for me to have some support.
The solution: how Avendra International supported hospital procurement
I don’t, however, think I had estimated just how much support Avendra International would be able to offer. The criteria for a silver award is to ensure at least 5% of all food is organic. Having Avendra International on my side has resulted in many benefits for me – both for the award and in managing the overall procurement process and related efficiencies. They made things so much easier for me.
The results: Silver Food for Life award and higher patient satisfaction
We subsequently achieved the Silver standard within the timeframe. It has increased our patient satisfaction – we have a 98% patient satisfaction score, which is a fantastic result.
We advertise that we cook fresh and have the Red Tractor accreditation for supporting local suppliers. It is a hit with patients and our staff; they understand that we care and place importance on offering healthy food choices.
Our head of communications recently wrote a blog and described the catering function as the heart of the hospital; it’s a place where everyone comes and gathers for a meal. It’s so important for our staff who face different challenges each day; they come for a break with us and can select from a variety of healthy menu choices that give them everything they need to fuel their busy days.
“If you want to achieve a Food for Life standard, it’s essential to have someone supporting you every step of the way. For me, having Avendra International on my side was the single most important factor towards us achieving this, and in such quick succession. From day one, they understood my brief and worked in partnership to make it happen. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this in less than three years, whereas, with Avendra International, it’s been less than 12 months. The support has been essential.” - Nuno Matias, Catering Services Manager for Royal Brompton Hospital
What's next: aiming for Gold and digital patient meal ordering
We are now preparing for the Gold standard and want to be one of the first few hospital trusts to achieve this. This is one of several projects I am looking at with Avendra International at my side. The other is introducing a bedside menu ordering system called Picnic from Avendra International for our patients using tablets. The system will enable us to innovate and further enhance our patient satisfaction rates.
Get in touch: healthcare catering procurement support from Avendra International
If you need support with your projects, initiatives and rewards, please get in touch with your Avendra International account manager, call 01252 705214 or email us at hello_UK@Avendra.com
FAQs
Can Avendra International arrange pre-negotiated food and beverage supplier contracts for NHS trusts and hospitals?
Yes. Avendra International gives NHS trusts and hospitals instant access to pre-negotiated supplier contracts covering food, beverage and non-food categories, so catering teams can secure competitive rates and quality-assured supply without running lengthy negotiations themselves.
How does Avendra International help hospitals meet sustainability standards such as the Food for Life award criteria?
Avendra International supports healthcare caterers with sustainable procurement solutions and supplier selection aligned to standards such as Food for Life, helping trusts source compliant, quality food while managing cost and supply continuity.
Does Avendra International offer bespoke procurement solutions if our organisation needs something more tailored than a standard contract?
Yes. Alongside ready-made, pre-negotiated agreements, Avendra International builds bespoke procurement solutions with custom supplier agreements, tailored pricing and full post-contract management, so healthcare, hospitality and education clients get long-term value rather than a one-off deal.
