At Cardinal Clinic, the journey to mental health recovery extends beyond treatment and medication – it’s also about nourishment and care. ‘Food amazing’, ‘kitchen above and beyond’, ‘great food’, are all reviews that are left by patients’ time and time again. Feedback that contributes to the maximum 5-star rating across nearly 1000 reviews on iWantGreatCare, the world’s leading independent platform for measuring patient experience and outcomes. From these testimonials, it’s very clear to see how Cardinal Clinic’s Head Chef and his culinary team play such an integral role in the mental healthcare setting and how much they contribute to the well-being and recovery of patients.
The Integral Role of Cardinal Clinic’s Kitchen Team in Mental Health Care
Head Chef, Jonathan Milner, Sous Chef’s Chris and Denton and their team of Lisa, Karen, Mandy, Debbie, Rez and Steve all focus on the preparation of nutritious, appealing and varied meals for patients, staff and visitors on a daily basis. A range of hot and cold dishes featuring meat, fish, poultry, vegetarian, vegan, served for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and that includes feeding 40 staff at lunch!
Jonathan, who is 56 and lives in Newbury has worked at the clinic since 2011 and takes great pride in his team and their work. His eclectic background contributes in no small way to his rounded ability; working on cruise ships for nine years, including the QE2; a private school in Newbury; a pub in Hungerford and Goring and Streatley Golf Club (where he worked with Chris) among other eateries. This varied experience has all helped to ensure he has the very highest understanding of food safety and is able to lead a team and craft menus of homemade fayre that cater to a wide range of dietary restrictions and preferences.
Sourcing Fresh Ingredients: How Quality Food Supports Mental Well-Being
Jonathan’s team works closely with the Hospital Dietitian and meets patients who have eating disorders and food allergies to discuss the varied dietary needs to design menus that are as appealing as they are health conscious. The creation of balanced and nutritious meals is enriched by the sourcing of top-quality produce, most of which comes from trusted local suppliers – fruit and vegetables from Bracknell, fish from Ascot, meat from butchers in Oxfordshire and Maidenhead all play their part.
Jonathan, who himself loves Italian food, and lists James Martin and Marcus Waring amongst his favourite chefs, loves interacting with patients and finds his role hugely satisfying. Seeing them get better gives him a great deal of pleasure.
In Jonathan and his team’s case, it’s easy to see how the ‘kitchen’ contributes to the well-being and recovery of individuals, making his team’s role an essential component of outstanding patient care.
Jonathan Milner and his team play a vital role in patient recovery, with meals that nurture both body and mind.
If you would like to learn more and enquire about mental health care at Cardinal Clinic, you can call us on 01753 869755. Alternatively, if you wish to refer yourself for mental health care, you can complete our self referral form.
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