Head Chef Katie Smith from Magna Care Centre in Wimborne has been crowned Chef of the Year at the National Care Awards, one of the most esteemed events in the care sector.
Katie’s culinary expertise goes far beyond the kitchen. She is renowned for creating nutritious, tailored meals that cater to each resident’s unique dietary requirements and personal preferences. Through her inclusive initiatives, such as the ‘Cooking with Kate’ club, Katie recreates cherished recipes from residents’ pasts, compiling them into a cookbook that not only honours their culinary heritage but also provides a meaningful platform to share their stories.
Speaking on Katie’s achievement, James Clear, Hospitality Director, said: “Katie’s passion and dedication to the job is very obvious with her day to day interaction with the residents to create their favourite meals, utilising the fresh ingredients supply chain that Aria Care provide. Katie was instrumental in developing the Hospitality from the Heart framework due to her hands-on approach and culinary skill level that she showcases on daily basis. We are fortunate enough to have Katie working within our homes to inspire other chefs to adopt the same person-centred culinary approach.”
The National Care Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the care sector, celebrating remarkable contributions and exceptional standards in care provision across the UK.
Katie expressed her gratitude for the honour, stating, “I felt truly grateful just to be nominated for this award, but to win is such an honour. I have been working in the care industry as a chef for 15 years and to receive this recognition is absolutely amazing. I put my heart and soul into the food I prepare for the residents. I feel so blessed that I get to make such a positive difference to their lives with the food I cook. I also feel very fortunate and proud to work for Aria Care and to be a part of their amazing team, never before have I felt so supported in my catering career.”
Magna Care Centre provides residential and nursing care on a permanent and short stay basis. If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more about our home call us on 01202 051560.
