When one envisions hospital food, images of bland meals lacking in flavour and creativity often come to mind. However, at Cabrini Hospital, Head Chef Nash Cheddee and Sous Chef Matthew Jones, along with their dedicated team, are revolutionising the Patient Experience through food.

With a combined effort from a team of 35 experienced chefs and food service assistants, Nash and Matthew oversee the preparation and delivery of 1500 meals per day at Cabrini Malvern. As part of Patient Experience Week, they are on a mission to show patients that they care deeply about their wellbeing through the meals they serve.

“At Cabrini, we treat our patients like family,” says Nash Cheddee, Head Chef of Food Services. “We recognise that their time with us is special, and we strive to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, starting with the food they eat.”

Preparing meals in a hospital setting comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when catering to various dietary requirements. Nash and Matthew prioritise sourcing the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality meals for patients, from farm to plate. They aim to transform traditional hospital fare into delicious, satisfying dishes that not only meet patients’ nutritional needs but also tantalise their taste buds.

“Patient nutrition is paramount,” adds Matthew Jones, Sous Chef at Cabrini Hospital. “We work closely with dieticians to ensure that our menu meets the utmost standards of nutrition while still being enjoyable for patients. Sometimes, we even make personal visits to patients to ensure their dietary needs are being met, and the feedback we receive is invaluable.”

Both Nash and Matthew share a deep passion for food that dates back to their early days, experimenting with flavours and techniques. This passion has blossomed into a fulfilling career centred on bringing joy to the faces of patients through culinary excellence.

“Patient experience means everything to us,” says Nash. “Seeing a smile on a patient’s face when they enjoy their meal makes all of our hard work worthwhile. We are honoured to play a role in their journey to recovery.”