The team at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust won the Digital Innovation Award at the Healthcare Estates and Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) Awards for introducing a fully digital Electronic Meal Ordering (EMO) system on all inpatient wards.
The new system replaces paper menus with real-time bedside ordering, improving patient safety by accurately recording allergens and dietary needs.
Catering manager Paul Straughair and acting head of facilities Michelle Sadler. (Image: HEFMA)
Paul Straughair, catering manager at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.
“This award reflects the hard work, collaboration and dedication across multiple teams to improve patient experience while making a real difference to sustainability.
“It’s fantastic to see our work recognised on a national stage.”
The digitally driven approach has also improved patient choice and overall mealtime experience, while supporting a wider commitment to sustainability.
By working closely with ward teams, the catering department also integrated carbon analysis technology to redesign menus.
This allowed them to reduce the carbon footprint of patient meals by 62 per cent, alongside a 19 per cent reduction in food waste.
The award highlights the trust’s success in delivering patient-centred care through digital innovation and environmental responsibility.