TRIPLE AWARD FOR SUSSEX HEALTH CARE

Private health care operator Sussex Health Care claims to be the first of its kind in the UK to hold three top hospitality awards.

When the latest, Hospitality Assured accreditation, was earned British cookery writer Marguerite Patten, aged 92, visited the company's Horsham headquarters to congratulate them.

This latest triumph for the company joins the ISO9001:2000 and HAQU (Hospitality Accreditation Quality Unit) now makes a trio of national and internationally recognised awards for hospitality and business management. Founded in 1985, it now operates 15 nursing homes offering 450 beds.

Sue Connett at Sussex Health Care said: "The lead up to the Hospitality Assured accreditation was rigorous, but it has been well worth the effort from the whole team involved.

"I hope our success gives real assurance to those who matter most, our residents, that Sussex Health Care will only settle for the best when it comes to their care and well being."

Sussex Health Care partner Shiraz Boghani said: "In addition to being holder
of the 'big three' awards, we have won numerous awards for clinical excellence, achieved 'Investor in People' status and topped the Sussex Business Awards
two-years running.

"This is all part of our commitment to the well being of our residents and development of staff."

Ann Corrigan, Deputy Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, owner of the Hospitality Assured Standard said: "Well done to Sussex Health Care on this fine achievement.

"The Hospitality Assured assessors thought their entire organisation was
extremely well run and that the outstanding catering operation played a
significant role in their success.

"I hope that many more healthcare operations in southern England will follow Sussex Health Care 's excellent ground breaking example."

Company partner Boghani added that the chefs at Sussex Health Care had worked as a team to ensure the kitchens met required quality levels.  As part of the
continuing process of improvement chefs were encouraged to add to their
professional qualifications and a variety of training options was offered.

In qualifying for the Hospitality Assured accreditation, Sussex Health Care
underwent series of site inspections to ensure the company's staff
maintained high standards both in the kitchen and front of house; key areas
of focus were professionalism, knowledge, skills and understanding, relevant
to the needs of the hospitality industry.

The accreditation is fully endorsed by the British Quality Foundation as meeting the criteria in the EFQM Excellence model, which is owned by the European Foundation for Quality Management. It is the only standard within the hospitality Industry that
focuses upon the customer's experience.

Words: David Foad

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