A FORMER NHS chef is hoping to improve the quality of hospital food as he prepares to take on a new role at a national body.

Catering boss Iain Robertson, based at Western Community Hospital in Southampton, will be chairing the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA).

The former NHS chef who has been catering operations manager at Solent NHS Trust for the past four years, will serve as the organisation’s national vice-chair for 12 months before starting his two-year chairmanship in April 2024.

He said: "Tasty wholesome food plays a crucial part in a patient’s recovery from illness or surgery, yet all too often is either overlooked or undervalued.

"I am looking forward to working with like-minded colleagues to drive up quality where needed and showcase some of the amazing work already going on in NHS kitchens across the country."

Iain hopes to help make the association more inclusive and, in particular, attract younger catering leaders to ensure it is truly representative of the industry.

The HCA represents the single largest group of healthcare catering providers within the NHS and is the recognised “voice” of hospital catering.

It represents catering managers who provide a wide range of food and other services for patients, visitors and staff in NHS hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Mark Young, deputy director of estates and facilities at Solent NHS Trust, said: "We are very proud that Iain has taken up this high profile role with such an influential body as the HCA.

"His passion, commitment and drive have shone through at Solent, where he encourages his team to treat every patient as if they were a member of their own family.

"Iain will be the ideal person to raise the profile of hospital catering and bring key industry issues to the national stage."