10 QUESTIONS
10 Questions with... Neel Radia
Each issue, we ask an industry professional the Tomorrow’s Care 10 Questions. This month we spoke to Neel Radia, National Chair of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).
the support it requires, rather than allowing it to fall foul of budget cuts, which is too often the case.
Q4 Q5 Q1
How did you get into the care industry?
I was introduced to the NACC by a client when I started working for Raj Foods, a company that supplies Halal meals into health and social care, 11 years ago. I was immediately inspired by the dedication and proactive approach of NACC team and its members to improve catering provisions in the care sector... and here I am today!
Q2 Q3 - 60 -
Who, in any other industry, do you most admire?
It is hard to pinpoint just one person. All professions require distinct skills and qualities and anyone that gives their all to surpass expectations in their chosen field is an inspiration.
How would you improve the care sector?
The social care sector ensures the wellbeing of vulnerable population groups, such as the elderly, and serves a vital preventative role by relieving the pressure on other sectors. It would be fantastic if the government would give the sector
If you could have any super power for a day what would
it be? I would definitely want the power of invisibility. To be able to see and hear what’s happening behind closed doors would be most enlightening.
What is the biggest challenge facing the care
industry today? A core challenge care home caterers face centres around training, and a lack of understanding of specific areas of care catering, including dysphagia, texture modified meals and food intolerances, as well as how to provide meals for residents with these dietary requirements in a safe setting.
Q6
If you could have a dinner party with any three people,
dead or alive who would it be? I would invite Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition politician and chairperson of the National League for Democracy in Burma, and the late Mahatma Gandhi. Both inspire me for their determination to not give in even when times were hard. They let their faith and values guide them to do what was right.
The third person would be Allen R. ‘Al’ Weiss, Past President of World Wide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. I attended one of his leadership seminars in 2000 and was inspired by his ethos, leadership skills and vision.
Q7
What is the best advice you could give to someone new
coming into the care profession? Embrace it. It’s an incredibly rewarding industry to be a part of, knowing that the care and services you provide will ensure that the vulnerable and elderly can live with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Q8
What would you like to see in a future issue of
Tomorrow’s Care? I’d really like to see more articles about the importance of good nutrition and hydration, and the specific dietary requirements care caterers must safely meet. After all, good nutrition and hydration is fundamental to safe, quality care so it’s vital to raise awareness and share best practice.
Q9
This year has been an eventful one so far; with
this in mind what do you think the future holds for the care industry? With a growing older population and the need for care increasing in the UK, the sector will boom. Unfortunately, budgets are decreasing from the public purse so we need to work together and find more innovative ways to ensure the services we provide continue to meet the needs of residents and service users.
Q10
If you could change one piece of health and social
care legislation, what would it be? To make meals on wheels a statutory community service with signposted funding as a preventative service.
www.thenacc.co.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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