Nuffield Health extends partnership with Sodexo to 2033

Sodexo UK and Ireland will retain its food services contract with Nuffield Health for an additional five years from 2028. This follows a five-year contract extension awarded in 2023.

The long-term partnership between Nuffield Health and Sodexo spans 17 years, during which Sodexo has delivered patient and staff dining across all 37 Nuffield Health hospitals.

With an annual contract value of £19 million, this renewal reinforces Sodexo’s commitment to delivering tasty, nutritious meals and supporting Nuffield Health’s mission to build a healthier, stronger nation.

Sustainability is central to the partnership between Sodexo and Nuffield Health, with both organisations committed to helping patients and staff develop healthy eating habits and lifestyles with minimal environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Sodexo and Nuffield Health are partnering with Greener by Default, a not-for-profit organisation that applies behavioural science to food policy, to launch a pilot study across all 37 hospitals. This pilot, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, aims to encourage patients and staff to make more sustainable food choices while maintaining freedom of choice. Insights gained from the pilot will inform future sustainability initiatives for Sodexo’s healthcare clients.

Additionally, Sodexo is calculating the carbon footprint of dishes and in collaboration with Eaternity. Plans are in place to introduce carbon scoring for menus by the end of 2025, which will help Nuffield Health to achieve its carbon reduction targets and further support its sustainability goals.

Since implementing Sodexo’s food waste reduction programme, WasteWatch, across Nuffield Health’s hospitals in 2020, Sodexo has reduced food waste by 36 per cent, preventing over 51,945kg of waste. This effort has saved 362 metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of 1.2 million bathtubs of water and over 95,000 meals.

Sodexo’s dedication to providing nutritious dishes is reflected in its bronze accreditation from the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Award, achieved across all 37 of Nuffield Health’s hospitals. The award recognises caterers who prioritise locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and meet high standards of food quality. Meals served in Food for Life Served Here accredited hospitals serve a minimum of 75 per cent freshly prepared meals using ingredients that are fresh and local.

Sodexo has also enhanced the patient dining experience through its ‘Everyday’ app, allowing in-room ordering with nutritional information, ensuring patients can make the best dietary choices during their stay.

Philip Leigh, CEO Healthcare, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We are proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Nuffield Health, continuing to support their mission of building a healthier, fitter nation. This renewal reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and delivering tasty, nutritious meals that truly make a difference for patients, staff, and visitors. We look forward to bringing further innovations to enhance the experience.”

David Beresford, Chief Commercial Officer at Nuffield Health added: “We are very pleased to renew our partnership with Sodexo, a trusted provider that has been integral to delivering exceptional catering services for our patients, visitors, and staff. 

“From incorporating more sustainable ingredients and plant-based alternatives, to reducing food waste by using every part of our ingredients, Sodexo has been an enthusiastic partner on our sustainability journey. Together, we are taking significant steps to advance our shared vision of creating a healthier nation.”