Gold Award for St. John’s Hospital
News Flash
St. John’s Hospital Catering Department Wins Gold Award for Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Hearts Programme
Limerick, Ireland – 19th September 2024:
St. John’s Hospital is delighted to announce that its Catering Department has been honoured with the prestigious Gold Award from the Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Hearts at Work Programme. This accolade recognises the hospital’s outstanding efforts in promoting heart-healthy eating options for staff in the hospital’s restaurant, showcasing a commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of its workforce.
Allen Moore, Head of Catering Services, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the Irish Heart Foundation. Ensuring that our staff have access to healthy, balanced meals is not only a part of our responsibility but also a vital aspect of fostering a productive and health-conscious work environment.”
The Happy Hearts at Work Programme, an initiative by the Irish Heart Foundation, encourages workplaces across Ireland to support their employees’ cardiovascular health by offering nutritious, heart-friendly meals. St. John’s Hospital has taken significant steps to ensure that the meals provided in the staff restaurant meet the highest standards of heart-healthy eating. This includes offering lower-fat options, reducing salt and sugar, increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, and incorporating whole grains into the daily menu.
The success of the programme at St. John’s Hospital is attributed to the Catering team at St John’s under the leadership of Head Chef Mary Fitzgerald and Catering Supervisor Wesley McDonald, who have worked tirelessly alongside Allen Moore to design and deliver delicious, health-conscious meal options for staff. Their focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients has ensured that the staff restaurant consistently offers meals that are both nutritious and flavourful.
“Receiving the Gold Award is a reflection of our dedication to supporting the health and well-being of our colleagues,” said Mary Fitzgerald, Head Chef. “We know that providing heart-healthy meals can make a significant impact on overall health, and we’re committed to continuing to offer these nutritious options every day.”
Wesley McDonald, Catering Supervisor, echoed this sentiment: “This award underscores our commitment to creating a workplace that values the health of its staff. We are always looking for ways to improve our service and ensure that healthy choices are readily available and appealing.”
St. John’s Hospital is leading the way in workplace wellness, ensuring that staff have access to nutritious meals that support cardiovascular health. The hospital remains dedicated to promoting a culture of health and wellness, with future plans to further expand its heart-healthy offerings and encourage positive lifestyle choices among its staff.
