County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is proud to cheer on two of our talented catering colleagues as they represent the Trust in the regional heats of the NHS Chef of the Year 2025 competition.

Helen Raine and Karen Ferguson will be competing on Wednesday 2 July in this prestigious annual event, organised by NHS England. The competition celebrates excellence in NHS catering, with a strong focus on nutrition, flavour, sustainability, and patient-focused innovation.

This year, Helen and Karen will be showcasing their culinary creativity and technical expertise with an impressive three-course menu:

  • Warm Mediterranean Vegetable & Chickpea Stew

  • Chicken Asparagus Nori Roll

  • Layered Berry & Honey Yoghurt Parfait

Their menu reflects a balance of wholesome ingredients, bold flavours, and visual appeal - a testament to the high standards of catering across our Trust.

Everyone at CDDFT is behind you, Helen and Karen - good luck in the competition, and thank you for your continued passion and dedication to delivering high-quality, nutritious food to patients and staff alike.