Hospice Receive Golden Apple 2009 Award
Hartlepool and District Hospice are one of the first care organisations in the town to receive the Golden Apple Award. The award is presented by Hartlepool Borough Council to acknowledge food providers who offer high quality, nutritious food.
Kim Baines, the Council’s Healthy Food Coordinator, said "Congratulations to our first Golden Apple Award winners. The Golden Apple brand shows that they serve wholesome, nutritious food and meet rigorous hygiene standards, which all helps people to make healthier food choices."
At Hartlepool and District Hospice, staff work as a multidisciplinary team to ensure patient needs are foremost. The catering team and other staff including health care assistants and nurses are trained in Nutrition and Healthy Eating level 2 to ensure they have the knowledge to support patients with their dietary needs.
Hospice staff also make sure patients can tell them their personal experience of the catering provision, in a quarterly survey which also provide a useful framework for audit. The survey ensures anonymity to patients, which encourages honest communication.
Tracy Woodall, Chief Executive of Hartlepool and District Hospice said “Food can be a very big part of people’s lives and many of our patients come to us experiencing difficulties eating and even tasting food they have always loved. Our team here at the Hospice try to make every aspect of a persons stay comfortable including providing good quality nutritious meals that they can enjoy.
“We do this by having the knowledge to provide nutritional meals and listening to feedback and requests from patients ensuring they get the best possible care they can. We are very proud to receive the Golden Apple Award and I would like to congratulate our catering team on doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work.”
Patients at Hartlepool and District Hospice also enjoy themed days including their favourite dish which can help invoke memories, and promote a positive mood in the entire group. The multidisciplinary team of professionals at Hartlepool and District Hospice aim to provide the patient with holistic care and this includes nutrition.
