University Hospitals of North Midlands open ground breaking 24/7 deli

A ground-breaking automated 24/7 Deli, enabling healthcare workers and visitors to University Hospitals of North Midlands access fresh, nutritious hot and cold food options no matter what time of day or night has been officially opened.

Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent is the first organisation in the UK to offer a 24/7 automated deli and is leading the way in addressing one of the eight new standards for food and drink in healthcare to provide fresh food and drink on demand no matter what time it is.

UHNM’s catering partner Sodexo has joined forces with unattended retail experts SV365 to introduce the new 24/7 deli at the hospital. The new deli provides fresh smoothies and soups, a healthy hot meal range, Italian stone baked pizzas, sweet and savoury bakery goods and iced desserts. Dishes include allergen-free, healthy choices, vegetarian and vegan options and can be tailored to suit the site population and particular dietary requirements. A premium coffee offer is provided through social enterprise Change Please.

The 24/7 deli was officially opened by UHNM chief executive Tracy Bullock on Monday 5 June. She said: “I am really pleased we are the first organisation to have the 24/7 deli available for patients and staff. The food is of a fantastic quality and caters to everyone’s dietary requirements.  The 24/7 aspect is vital because we can now guarantee a high quality, hot meal for staff who are working any hour of the day.” 

Zina Isovic, staff nurse on ward 128, said: “I have used the deli several times since it’s been opened. I usually use it a night as it’s convenient and has lots of variety. I have literally tried every machine but my favourite is definitely the pizza.”

Hyley Keohane, clinical nurse specialist, said: “It’s really brilliant to have the deli here, especially that it is available 24/7 for staff. The food is really tasty, it is good value for money and it’s great it is all contactless too.”

Tim Radcliffe, net zero programme manager at NHS England, said: “I think the concept is fantastic, it is exactly what we need within the NHS. It is all about providing nutritionally balanced food for staff 24 hours a day. Nobody should be penalised for working outside of core hours, this is why it is so important to have the 24/7 deli here. It will give staff the same opportunity as staff working in the day. The idea is fast flowing, free moving, it’s one of the best concepts I have seen.”