Two Stepping Hill caterers through to final of 'biggest title in healthcare catering'

By The Editor 31st Aug 2026

Local News by The Editor 1 minutes ago

Two members of the Stockport NHS catering team are just a final away from being crowned NHS chefs of the year.

Chef Owen Stafford and retail assistant Lauren Carter have made it through to the final round of the NHS Chef of the Year awards, which aim to celebrate the top echelons of cooking and patient care.

Now in its sixth year, the competition celebrates the vital role chefs play in care, recovery and experience for patients.

The awards value catering team members who use skills, creativity and dedication to deliver nutritious, high-quality food in often challenging environments.

Owen and Lauren follow in a long tradition of high-scoring performers from the Stockport NHS team, with Stockport chef Joe Omolo the joint winner of the title only last year.

The pair are part of the team which provides quality food for Stepping Hill Hospitals patients, staff and visitors.

Philip Shelley, senior operational and policy manager national lead for Food NHS England, said: "I am incredibly proud of the chefs who take part, and of the wider NHS catering workforce.

"Their commitment, expertise and passion are helping to shape the future of healthcare food, proving that food is not just a support service – it is an essential part of delivering outstanding care."

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Erica Bell, Stockport NHS' services manager for catering added: "We're all hugely proud of Owen and Lauren for getting through to the final against really tough competition. They're continuing to fly the flag for our high standards, and wish them all the best for the final."

The national final will take place in Birmingham 's Edgbaston Cricket Ground in October where the eight finalists will compete to be crowned the NHS Chef of the Year winners for 2026.

Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses. It is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!

The Ball is in your court. Our long-term GOAL
is to help our local community to grow.

On our part, we are making a connection between local news, local people and local businesses.
This connection is the key to community success.

Now the ball is in your court.
You can support us with a small payment or at least read us for free.
Take a shot yourself and then pass the ball to your friends!