Andy Jones named chair of Hospital Caterers Association

Public Sector Caterer Catey 2012 winner Andy Jones has been named chair of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA).

Jones, who works in the healthcare division of ISS Facility Services, takes over from Janice Gillan who has now completed her two year term of office, after being elected to the position at the HCA's annual general meeting earlier this month.

Jones has been an active member of the association for more than 20 years, and won the HCA Caterer of the Year in 2007. He has been the national vice chair for the past two years, and the chair of the HCA West Midlands branch also serves on the HCA National Executive Committee.

Commenting on his appointment, Jones said: "Whilst we must continually aim for higher levels of service for our patients, staff and visitors to meet their expectations, we are facing major challenges as significant savings and economies have to be made in all areas of the NHS over the coming years.

"Maintaining high quality hospital food, sourced as sustainably as possible and operating cost-effective, efficient catering services within a National Health Service that is facing the biggest budget cuts since it began, is going to be demanding for all hospital catering managers.

"I am, therefore, committed to ensuring that the HCA provides the necessary support and tools to enable them to continue to deliver a dynamic service that meets patient expectations.

"As the incoming Chair of the HCA, I will be focused on spearheading campaigns and initiatives that will enable hospital caterers to not only continue to achieve those high standards but most importantly, safeguard the nutritional care of all of our patients."