Grossman comes first
Loyd Grossman has been appointed the HCA's first Honorary Patron, a membership category introduced by the association to "pay tribute to national figures or individuals who have undertaken important work in NHS catering for the benefit of the service". Presenting the award, HCA chairman Neil Watson-Jones said that Grossman had shown "commitment to the Better Hospital Food programme" and done much to "improve standards and change perceptions about hospital food".
New branch for M25 area
A new branch of the HCA has been formed to cover the geographical area within the boundary formed by the M25 motorway. The Greater London branch, the first new branch for 21 years, takes the number of HCA branches to 17. Branch chairman Graham Walker, general manager of catering services at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, said that the branch had been set up because "there was a feeling that hospital catering within the London area presented its own unique needs and issues".
HCA award winners
The 2003 winners of the annual HCA awards are: Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by NHS Estates - Sue Batty, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust; Personality of the Year, sponsored by Apetito - Pam Miller, Leeds Teaching Hospital; Hospital Caterer of the Year, sponsored by Hobart - Elsa Witherspoon, Causeway Hospital, Northern Ireland; Chairman's Choice Award - HCA Wales Branch.