Sue Austin named as recipient of ‘once in a lifetime’ International Exchange Study Opportunity

Sue Austin from Nottingham University Hospitals has been named as the recipient of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) and Burlodge UK exchange opportunity that will take her on a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to Canada in the summer.  

This fully funded experience allows Sue to see, first-hand, exemplary patient catering operations in Canada. Burlodge will support the visit and facilitate introductions to hospital sites and healthcare environments throughout the stay.

The trip itinerary will include time spent in healthcare and catering sites. Skills, knowledge and practice learnt are to be shared on return to the UK with HCA colleagues. All travel and associated expenses will be covered, from departure to return.

Angelo Speranza, chief executive of Burlodge, commented: “I am very proud that Burlodge is in a position to offer an exchange programme to food service professionals which allows them to broaden their knowledge and gain insight into feeding systems around the world, bringing back fresh ideas."

At the end of the candidate’s experience, details will be shared on Burlodge’s LinkedIn page. People interested in future years should also look on the LinkedIn page for announcements of when the next process will be open for applications.

The other two finalists were Alan Dougan from Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Tom Cooper from Dorset County Hospital.

Sue will write an article to be shared with HCA membership for promotion within the HCA Hospital Caterer and allow Burlodge to use their participation within relevant trade publicity. Throughout the study tour, Sue will experience:

• Best practices in patient nutrition, including food preparation service and customisation for dietary requirements.
• Efficient food service logistics, encompassing procurement, distribution, and waste management.
• The role of patient satisfaction in driving improvements within catering services.
• How technology and innovation are being leveraged to improve ordering, delivery, and food quality management.

Hospital Caterers Association website, June 14th 2026