Medirest was recognised with an impressive double win at the Hospital Caterers Association Awards, held on 14th April at the HCA President’s Dinner, in Brighton. The awards recognise the commitment and contribution of the association’s members and the event forms part of the HCA Leadership and Development Forum.
Special Recognition Award – Maxine Cartz, Dietitian
Maxine was recognised for her inspirational career spanning four decades. Maxine’s achievements are defined by her ability to bring people together, acting as the expert interface bridging dietetics, catering, clinical teams and NHS policies - to ensure every meal served helps patients. Throughout her career, her leadership has centred on making sure that patient nutrition is not treated as a standalone clinical function, but as an integrated part of safe, dignified and person-centred healthcare.
Having joined Medirest in 2004, Maxine is now involved in all aspects of nutrition and dietetics within the organisation, supporting efficient operations across private and NHS healthcare settings. Maxine has demonstrated national leadership, with a strong track record of influencing NHS and foodservices nutritional policy as part of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Food Services Specialist Group, the Better Hospital Food project, the 2015 NHS Food Standards group, the Healthcare Food Standards and Strategy group set up by NHS Improvement, and the 2020 Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food.
Other career highlights span being awarded the BDA Ibex Award in 2013 for her contribution to the dietetic profession. In 2021, she received a BDA Fellowship and has also been included in the BDA Roll of Honour in 2020, 2021 and 2025.
Maxine Cartz, Dietitian, Medirest commented:
“I’m truly honoured to receive this Award from the Hospital Catering Association. As a Dietitian, hospital catering is about championing nutrition as a vital part of patient care, supporting our teams, and continually striving to improve the quality, safety and impact of food in healthcare settings. I’m grateful to be part of a profession that makes such a meaningful difference to patient outcomes.”
Catering Team of the Year - Medirest at South West London & St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
In a mental health setting, mealtimes are part of the therapeutic day - this team understands that deeply. From tailored menus for patients with eating disorders to running the Urban Kitchen restaurant - where service users practice budgeting and independence ahead of discharge - they are not a support service, they are part of the recovery itself.
Acknowledged for effective and dedicated teamwork and collaboration, which delivers a high-quality service to help patients, this team has achieved excellent feedback which ranges from improved PLACE food and hydration scores, plus increasing menu satisfaction around quality and choice.
Ian Garlington, Better Communities Programme Director at South West London & St George's Mental Health NHS Trust said:
“I want to congratulate the team on a very well deserved award. It’s fantastic to see that their teamwork, consistent focus on patient experience, and commitment to high standards has been recognised. They should all be very proud of the difference they make to our patients through their work.”
Russell Blake, MD – Healthcare, Compass Group & Ireland said:
“This recognition is so very well deserved and I would like to congratulate both Maxine and the team at South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust.
Maxine shows unwavering expertise and commitment to her profession, alongside a natural skill for communicating with different stakeholder groups to understand and bring together diverse perspectives.
The Catering Team of the Year award could not have gone to a more dedicated and professional group of colleagues. They demonstrate compassion and understanding, alongside a true responsibility to delivering high standards.
Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for delivering performance with heart.”
