Case studies

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust: Sustainable Food Service

Contract specifications give local suppliers the opportunity to bid within a budget, rather than having to provide the cheapest product
Assessment of contract specifications gives additional weight to suppliers who invest in sustainable initiatives
Local suppliers supported in meeting NHS national standards for procurement
Catering team meets local suppliers on location to allow effective dialogue
Flexible/seasonal menu introduced that varies according to availability and price. Suppliers can offer the catering team a list of available produce to choose from on a weekly basis.
Participate in Defra-funded networking events held by the Food and Drink Forum

Started with a belief in the value of social enterprise – creating something within the community for the community
Registered the name ‘Coffee City’ with the patent office, making it available for all NHS organisations to use
Created a model for all PCTs to follow in setting up and running the enterprise
Recruited key partner - Rainforest Alliance - for Fair Trade and sustainably-sourced products
Housed all enterprises in LIFT buildings - a mutually beneficial arrangement that engages and employs those in the local community

NUH is in the process of ensuring that they can procure their biomass fuel (wood chips) locally

Buy-in and support from the Trust’s Board on sustainable issues
Support from key partners e.g. Nottingham City Council and Nottingham PCT
PCT takes ownership of Coffee City projects- rather than outsourcing it to a third party(which can result in fewer employment opportunities generated)

Perceived myth that sustainable development means increased risk and increased cost
Communication/cooperation with some key stakeholders

No additional funding was required or provided for any of these initiatives.

Head of project: John Hughes
Position/Department: Catering Manager
Contact number: 0115 969 1169 ext. 59484
Contact Email: john.hughes@nuh.nhs.uk