Staff at a North Yorkshire hospital have been named quality improvement project team of the year at a national awards ceremony after improving hospital meals for patients.
The Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, received the accolade at The UK Dementia Awards 2026 for its work to enhance nutrition and mealtime experiences, particularly for patients living with dementia.
Sue Hodgson, housekeeping and catering manager at the Friarage, led the initiative alongside Deborah Green, food services lead dietitian, Anna Wilson, lead dementia nurse, and Nicola Arkless, patient involvement facilitator.
Deborah Green said: "This project highlights the importance of recognising and responding to areas for improvement.
"Listening to the voices of the housekeeping team was invaluable in driving improvements in the quality and safety of nutrition and hydration as part of treatment and recovery.
"People living with dementia are not always able to raise concerns or make complaints.
"By getting it right for those who cannot always speak for themselves, we are far more likely to be getting it right for all patients.
"The success of the project is a true testament to the breadth of the multidisciplinary team involved, bringing together nursing, AHPs, catering, housekeeping, patient experience and specialist teams."
The programme was launched in response to a patient survey and included a review of food quality and waste, improved menu choices, finger food options, pictorial and online menus, and staff training on how to support vulnerable patients.
A video case study was also presented at the National Audit of Dementia webinar.
Judges praised the team for openly challenging their own practice, learning from the true experts – the patients and housekeepers – and, with no budget, using their own skills to redesign a vital part of the recovery pathway.
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Anna Wilson said: "I would like to say a sincere thank you to Deb, Nicola, Sue and the housekeeping team for embracing change to improve nutrition for our most vulnerable patients admitted to the Friarage living with dementia.
"Your collaboration and commitment are not only award-winning but making a meaningful difference to patient care and their recovery."
The project stands as an example of successful multidisciplinary teamwork within the NHS.
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