To celebrate National Healthcare Estates and Facilities (E&F) Day, apetito has announced the winners of its Estates and Facilities Heroes competition for 2026.
Hospitals were invited to nominate individuals and teams who go above and beyond as the unsung heroes of their E&F departments – shining a light on the vital work they contribute across the sector.
After a high number of entries, the independent judging panel, consisting of Iain Robertson, Phil Shelley, Amanda Roberts and Neil Hargreaves, were impressed by the exceptional standard of work being carried out, noting the strength and impact of all shortlisted nominees.
Each of the winners has been presented with a Fortnum & Mason hamper by apetito team members, supporting local celebrations of National E&F Day.
The winners are
Making a Real Difference Award: Winner – Kerrey Healey, Catering Compliance Officer at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Kerrey Healey has delivered exceptional impact across NHS catering, combining operational excellence with inspiring leadership. She has driven measurable improvements in compliance, food quality and waste reduction, while supporting and developing colleagues – with over half progressing into promotions. Beyond her role, she mentors apprentices, builds confidence and capability, and champions innovation. Her dedication has transformed team culture, strengthened service delivery, and truly enhanced the patient experience.
Catering Champion Award: Winner – Sharon Gough, Catering Team Leader at Conquest Hospital
Sharon has shown outstanding leadership and a true commitment to improving inpatient catering services. She has delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, reducing food waste and strengthening collaboration between teams to enhance service delivery. Alongside operational impact, she has fostered a supportive, inclusive team culture, improving morale and retention. Her dual focus on patient experience and staff wellbeing is why she has been deservedly recognised as Catering Champion.
Leading the Way in Sustainability Award: Winner – Hotel Services and Catering team at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
The NHFT Hotel Services and Catering Team have embedded sustainability into everyday operations, delivering measurable impact across their NHS environment. Through data-led ERIC reporting, they identified over 19 tonnes of food waste - equating to 51 tonnes CO₂e - enabling targeted reductions and improved efficiency. Their work has earned a Gold Soil Award, Gold Star from NHS England and Exemplar Trust status for catering, demonstrating evidence-based progress and leadership in sustainable healthcare catering
Community Impact Award: Winner – Paul Cutler, Porter at James Cook University Hospital
Paul has been recognised for his dedication to supporting his community. Alongside his daily role, he goes above and beyond to raise funds for charitable causes. One example being that he completed the 2025 Great North Run and raised over £1,000 in the process for Melanoma Me, a charity close to his heart, demonstrating remarkable commitment, resilience and compassion that makes a meaningful difference.
Rising Star Award: Winner – Thaize Polizelli De Santana, Patient Feeding Supervisor at Royal Free Hospital
Thaize has demonstrated exceptional impact early in her career, in just two years rapidly progressing from Catering Assistant to Patient Feeding Supervisor while obtaining her HCPC registration as a Dietitian. She has led innovative projects including a pictorial menu for vulnerable patients and a ‘Free From’ menu removing all 14 allergens. Alongside this, she has independently strengthened team communication through initiatives like a monthly newsletter. Thaize demonstrates the talent, proactive mindset and relentless drive that define a Rising Star.
Team of the Year (England): Winner – Community Facilities Team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
The Community Facilities Team has delivered outstanding service and transformation across 13 hospital sites during an organisational restructure. Despite operational and staffing pressures, they maintained exceptional safety, cleanliness and patient satisfaction standards. The team drove innovation through sustainable menus, waste reduction and efficiency improvements, while demonstrating excellent teamwork across sites. Their work has strengthened service quality, improved financial performance, and enhanced patient and staff experience.
Team of the Year (Wales): Winner – Catering Team at St Woolos Hospitals, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
The St Woolos Hospital Catering Team have delivered a seamless transformation of patient meal services during significant operational change. They successfully implemented a new cook-freeze model and managed a full kitchen relocation without disrupting patient care. Alongside maintaining high food safety and quality standards, they improved efficiency and reduced waste through better stock control. Their resilience, adaptability and teamwork ensured consistent, high-quality service throughout.
Team of the Year (Scotland): Winner – Corporate Catering Team at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
The NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Corporate Catering Team consistently deliver a large-scale, high-quality patient catering service across multiple sites, displaying exceptional collaboration and governance. Producing around 1.9 million meals annually, they ensure consistency, safety and patient-focused care through strong communication, data-led monitoring and financial accountability. Their cross-site teamwork, strategic oversight and contribution to national catering standards have strengthened service quality, efficiency and patient experience.
[Pictured – Community Facilities Team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust]
