News NACC Care Chef of the Year competition
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has launched its 2017 search for the UK’s best chef working in the care sector. The name of the prestigious culinary
competition has changed from NACC Care Cook of the Year to NACC Care Chef of the Year, in recognition of the culinary excellence and professionalism within the sector and the specialist skills and knowledge demanded of and demonstrated by chefs. Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of
Cooks and Premier Foods, the competition highlights the care catering sector and the talented chefs operating within it. Chefs from across the sector, including residential homes, local authorities and community services are encouraged to enter. Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC,
says: “Care catering is a highly skilled profession and it’s only right that our culinary
competition reflects this, both in content and name. “Catering for the vulnerable
and elderly is challenging and demands specialist skills, knowledge and responsibility. As people age their dietary needs change and a wide variety of special diets must be recognised and catered for safely. “It’s vital that care chefs
confidently deliver the right nutrition and hydration, together with exceptional flavours and eye catching presentation, to ensure the enjoyment and quality of life of those they feed. Up and down the country, care chefs are doing this daily and the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is a fantastic platform for them to demonstrate their culinary flair and talent, and to showcase excellence across the sector.
Eric Wright Construction completes
multi-million pound care scheme project Eric Wright Construction, part of the Eric Wright Group, has completed a multi-million pound project to build two extra care schemes in Stoke-on-Trent. Totalling 250 one and two bedroom
properties, the retirement developments for people aged 55 and over offer spacious accommodation complemented by on-site facilities and convenient transport links. With 45 two bed and 30 one bed
apartments across three, three storey blocks, Willow Barns in Blurton boasts a raft of communal facilities, including a lounge, hobby and craft room, village hall, library, beauty salon, launderette and fitness suite. Oak Priory in Abbey Hulton has 126 two bed
and 49 one bed apartments and the same facilities as Willow Barns, plus a sun terrace, orangery, a ‘reminiscence room’ – which has been created to look like the interior of an old- style train - and guest bedrooms. The schemes are part of a £100 million
project by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Sapphire – a consortium of construction, housing, facilities management, property development and architect professionals that will build, finance and operate the retirement villages through a 25 year partnership. This also includes the 140 property Westcliffe complex in Chell being built by Seddon Construction, which is due for completion mid 2017. John Wilson, managing director at Eric
Wright Construction, says: “There is huge demand for retirement housing in Stoke and
10 “Year on year the standard of
entries grows and I’ve no doubt that 2017 will bring another incredibly impressive and inspiring competition. I urge all chefs working in a care environment to enter and seize the brilliant opportunities for development that the competition presents.” All paper entries will be judged
by a central judging panel that will be looking for innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, taste and overall menu balance. The deadline for entries is Friday 3 February 2017 and successful entrants will be invited to compete at the regional heats in March 2017. To download an entry form visit
www.thenacc.co.uk/events/care_chef_year
‘Pimp my zimmer’ concept reduces falls in care homes
Older people have been personalising their walking frames as part of Essex County Council’s unique Pimp My Zimmer campaign. Residents at care homes countywide
were inspired to transform their grey and uninspiring walking aids into glamorous works of art by adorning them with bespoke knitted covers, football scarves, tinsel and even fresh flowers. The contest was part of the
these developments will ensure that people can enjoy their later years in modern, purpose built accommodation. “As a Preston headquartered business
and a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. Throughout the build programme we have employed people from surrounding neighbourhoods, sourced materials from local suppliers, recruited a number of apprentices and donated materials to a nearby school to support a Wildlife Trust project. “As a nation we’re not getting any younger
and our experience in both commercial and residential construction has enabled us to deliver quality schemes that will provide comfortable homes for people who want to make the most of their retirement.”
council’s pioneering Prosper project, which won a national Patient Safety Award in July for helping to reduce falls by five per cent and pressure ulcers by 20 per cent. The competition was run in partnership with the North Essex Clinical Commissioning Group to coincide with the launch of its Tumbles advice leaflet on how to prevent falls. Angela Donlevy, manager at
Chalkney House care home in White Colne, near Halstead, says: “Residents love their brightly coloured and individual frames and are very proud to use them. The home has seen some remarkable results too – a 60 per cent reduction in falls in the past year, which has dramatically reduced potential hospital admissions.” Sohal Healthcare Ltd, which runs Chalkney
House, has now adopted the idea in seven other homes.
www.thecarehomeenvi ronment .com • January 2017
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