A Royal Bolton Hospital caterer who helped work to introduce a finger-food menu for patients has received an award.

A North West Healthcare Association Catering award was presented to Karl Price from the Integrated Facilities Management catering team at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Karl accepted the Junior Manager of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the Mercure Hotel in Haydock.

The North West Healthcare Association Catering Awards are held in recognition of the excellent work that takes place across UK hospital catering departments.

Karl initially joined Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as a Catering Supervisor, responsible for project development.

Over the last year, hospital bosses say Karl has played a huge part in introducing observational mealtime audits – which are designed to improve the mealtime service for patients.

Sign up to our newsletters to get the latest stories sent straight to your inbox.

Karl helped to implement an electronic meal ordering system, as well as working with dementia teams to introduce a new finger food menu.

He has also worked with dietitians to improve the standard menu and to develop a vegan menu.

Karl was nominated by catering manager Jason Waggett.

Jason said: “Karl has been a Godsend and really supported with any project that has been thrown at him.

“He has done such a great job that he is now getting involved with other facilities projects.

“Along with his great work ethic, he is polite, punctual, friendly and will always help out in any department.

“Karl is continuously recognised by his peers and colleagues across the hospital for the work he is doing and his efforts are hugely appreciated.”

Karl said: “Many years ago I joined the healthcare sector to try and make a small difference to the local community and receiving this award, solidifies that I can do just that.

“I was overwhelmed and shocked to hear my name announced as the junior manager of the year the HCA awards evening.

“I feel very lucky and honoured to work alongside Jason Waggett, the iFM senior management team and our amazing teams throughout facilities management, all of whom support and encourage me to be the best I can be.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.