Sodexo has partnered with SV365 Technologies to launch the UK’s first automated retail solution – the 24/7 Deli – to give frontline healthcare workers continuous access to fresh food. – © Sodexo UK and Ireland
Sodexo has partnered with SV365 Technologies to launch the UK’s first automated retail solution – the 24/7 Deli – to give frontline healthcare workers continuous access to fresh food.
The announcement comes in Nutrition and Hydration Week 2023, an annual event to promote nutrition and hydration as a fundamental element to maintaining health and wellbeing within health and social care – as mandated in the National Healthcare Food & Drink Standards published in November 2022.
The 24/7 Deli will enable hospitals to meet the needs of staff and visitors with a wide choice of food and drinks available on demand. Dishes include allergen-free, healthy choices, vegetarian and vegan options and can be tailored to suit the site’s population and particular dietary requirements. The hot drinks system has been developed in partnership with social enterprise Change Please.
Sodexo – whose Health & Care business provides 5.2 million meals a year across 53 hospitals – said the innovation is intended to help to boost staff morale and improve their wellbeing, so enhancing the quality of patient care – the first 24/7 Deli is expected to go live in a major acute hospital in the coming month.
Simon Lilley, the Health & Care divisions’ director of strategy & marketing, said: “We were … part of the working group which developed the new National Healthcare Food & Drink Standards and although the focus is rightly on improving the wellbeing and recovery of patients, it is just as important to do the same for those caring for them.
“As NHS providers work towards achieving the final eight standards, as a strategic partner to many we know how important it is for us to continue to innovate and to provide new and exciting initiatives such as the 24/7 Deli. Nutrition is a key part of our expertise, and this new automated retail solution will ensure we can play our part every day.”
Walter Gill, co-founder of SV 365 Technologies, added: “Over the years we have scoured the world finding the newest, most exciting technologies to deliver the best-quality automated food solutions for our partners… The 24/7 Deli provides nutritionally balanced food choices which meet or exceed NHS nutritional standards whilst tasting great.
