WORKING in a busy city hospital is a demanding job and the St John’s Hospital catering department’s efforts to make sure that staff are getting the diet they would recommend to others has won a prestigious award.
The hospital’s catering team has been honoured with the prestigious Gold Award from the Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Hearts at Work programme.
The accolade recognises the hospital’s efforts in promoting heart-healthy eating options for staff in the hospital’s restaurant, showcasing a commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of its workforce.
Allen Moore, head of catering services at St John’s, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, saying “we are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the Irish Heart Foundation. Ensuring that our staff have access to healthy, balanced meals is not only a part of our responsibility but also a vital aspect of fostering a productive and health-conscious work environment.”
The Happy Hearts at Work programme, an initiative by the Irish Heart Foundation, encourages workplaces across Ireland to support their employees’ cardiovascular health by offering nutritious, heart-friendly meals.
St John’s Hospital has taken significant steps including offering lower-fat options, reducing salt and sugar, increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, and incorporating whole grains into its daily menu.
The success of the programme at St John’s is attributed to the catering team under the leadership of head chef Mary Fitzgerald and catering supervisor Wesley McDonald, who have worked tirelessly alongside Allen Moore to design and deliver delicious, health-conscious meal options for staff.
“Receiving the Gold Award is a reflection of our dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of our colleagues,” said Mary.
“We know that providing heart-healthy meals can make a significant impact on overall health, and we’re committed to continuing to offer these nutritious options every day.”
Wesley McDonald echoed this sentiment, saying that “this award underscores our commitment to creating a workplace that values the health of its staff. We are always looking for ways to improve our service and ensure that healthy choices are readily available and appealing.”
