Serco Patient Catering Team, University Hospital Southampton

In 2024, the Serco Patient Catering Team at University Hospital Southampton made significant strides towards more sustainable and inclusive hospital dining. Working closely with the Trust, the team championed vegetarian and vegan initiatives that improved patient choice and supported the NHS’s ambition to reach Net Zero by 2040.

Guided by the British Dietetic Association’s sustainability principles, the team undertook a full redesign of all 19 hospital menus. Vegan dishes were listed first, followed by vegetarian options – a simple but powerful change that encouraged greater uptake of plant-based meals. They also introduced a new vegetarian ‘mini meal’ (providing 500 kcal and 20 g of protein) for patients with smaller appetites, ensuring that nutritious, appealing choices were available for everyone.

By the end of 2024, more than 45 per cent of the main menu consisted of vegetarian or vegan dishes, reflecting a genuine commitment to improving both health and environmental outcomes. The team’s efforts show how thoughtful menu design can make sustainability practical, achievable, and delicious within a busy hospital setting.