On Wednesday, 20th November, as owner of 3Q Recruitment, and alongside Darragh Duffy I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Irish Healthcare Catering Professionals Association (IHCPA) at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.
As a specialist temporary staffing agency, 3Q Recruitment has proudly supported hospital catering, ward, cleaning, and portering departments for many years. We’ve worked alongside talented catering professionals who play a vital role in the day-to-day care of patients and residents. This is why we were delighted to celebrate the launch of the IHCPA—a new representative body dedicated to advocating for, connecting, and supporting the incredible individuals in healthcare catering.
The IHCPA builds on the legacy of the Catering Managers Association of Ireland (CMAI) while opening its doors to all professionals working in healthcare catering across the public, private, acute, and community sectors. Whether you’re in a hospital, nursing home, or community care facility, this is your chance to join a growing community of passionate individuals striving to safeguard and improve the meal experience of patients.
The launch event featured a powerful keynote address by Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion at the Irish Heart Foundation. She reminded us how much a nutritious, safe, and enjoyable meal can mean to someone on their healthcare journey. It’s not just food; it’s care, comfort, and dignity on a plate.
The IHCPA’s mission is inspiring:
- Advocacy: Giving healthcare catering professionals a voice at the table with policymakers, healthcare administrators, and key stakeholders.
- Networking: Creating opportunities for catering professionals to connect, share ideas, and support each other.
- Professional Development: Offering access to training, seminars, and workshops to build skills and grow careers.
- Quality Standards: Promoting excellence in food safety, nutrition, and service to enhance the patient experience.
- Recognition: Celebrating the achievements of catering teams and highlighting the essential role they play in healthcare.
At 3Q Recruitment, we see first-hand the dedication of catering staff who work tirelessly to provide nutritious meals that make a tangible difference to patient well-being. As long-term supporters of the CMAI, we’re thrilled to see the IHCPA take this important work to the next level.
For anyone in healthcare catering—whether you’re in a senior management role or just starting your career—joining the IHCPA is an opportunity to become part of a supportive, forward-thinking network. This is your chance to shape the future of your profession, build meaningful connections, and ensure the incredible work you do is recognised and celebrated.
We encourage all healthcare catering professionals to get involved. The IHCPA is not just about advocating for the sector; it’s about creating a space where everyone can share knowledge, access training, and collectively improve outcomes for patients and residents across Ireland.
If you’re passionate about healthcare catering or know someone who should be part of this exciting new association, now is the time to take action. Visit the IHCPA for more information or contact their team at pro@ihcpa.ie or 0879280214.
Together, we can champion the critical role of catering professionals in healthcare and ensure that every meal served in hospitals and care facilities is a step towards better health, dignity, and well-being.
Let’s support and grow this vital community—because the care behind the meals matters.
