Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustMoorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has awarded a three-year contract to Compass Group business Medirest to manage catering and facilities management services.
The partnership, which commenced in July 2023, aims to elevate service quality and enhance the overall experience for patients.
Our thorough procurement process required bidders to increase pay for all staff to the London Living Wage as a minimum, implement the National Standards of Cleanliness 2021
“We are pleased to welcome Medirest as our new provider of cleaning, catering, and security services,” says Peter Foster, Head of Facilities Management at Moorfields. “Our thorough procurement process required bidders to increase pay for all staff to the London Living Wage as a minimum, implement the National Standards of Cleanliness 2021 in full, provide a patient and retail catering service in line with the new national standards for healthcare food and drink, and to make measurable social value commitments. We welcome their commitment to all of these initiatives and to innovate to ensure we achieve the best possible service for all our patients, visitors, and staff, and I look very much forward to working with the Medirest team to deliver the new contract.”
The contract will transition over 100 staff members to Medirest to deliver a range of services, including retail, patient catering, private patient catering, cleaning, vending, and security. Medirest plans to create a Wellspring Restaurant, offering a fresh and contemporary menu, along with a dedicated wellbeing area for staff to enjoy during breaks. Additionally, the agreement includes the introduction of a Change Please outlet, a social enterprise that supports homeless individuals through the sales of their award-winning coffee.
To enhance patient catering, Medirest will be introducing Steamplicity, a unique cooking system that steam-cooks fresh and raw ingredients in under five minutes, maximising nutritional value while providing flexibility and consistency. The menu, designed by chefs and nutritionists, will offer over 30 dishes for both lunch and dinner, allowing patients to order what they want at a suitable time, thereby reducing food waste. For private patients, Compass’ Esteem system will be implemented.
Furthermore, Medirest will implement the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021 throughout the hospital estate, along with innovative technology, equipment, and training to uphold these standards. An Academy will also be established at Moorfields to trial new innovations and technology during the contract period.
A key focus of the partnership is generating social value and promoting diversity. Medirest has committed to a bespoke plan that includes supporting the local community and offering employment opportunities for those with disabilities, including individuals who are visually impaired. Additionally, Compass’ Social Promise will provide training and progression for staff members, and each employee will receive a free meal every day at work.
“The focus on student engagement, culinary innovation, and community connection is what drives our approach,” says Barbara Flanagan, President and CEO of Aramark Student Nutrition. “SN Insights 360 is an actionable, exciting way for students to make sure that they influence their daily nutrition. It isn’t just a feedback form or a checklist task—it is a broad-based initiative built to empower future generations. It keeps the focus on the students and their dynamic needs.”
With a commitment to enhancing the overall patient experience, Moorfields also plans to roll out the Positive Impressions programme, which centres around patient satisfaction. Colleagues will receive relevant training and sessions as part of this initiative, aimed at enhancing patient-centred care based on communication, awareness, respect, and empathy.
“We believe in taking a hard look at everything we do—whether with excellence or with opportunity—and using that evaluation to build better programming and stronger relationships,” Flanagan adds. “To do that, we are laser-focused on student engagement, culinary innovation, and community connection.”
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