A Day In The Life of: Raminder Birk - Head chef in diet bay

Case 1: Maria Freebrey - Midwife

Case 2: Victoria Quinn - Intensive Therapy Unit nurse, E Grade

Case 3: Kim Broadbent - Medical Secretary

Case 4: Pauline McCalla - Principal Pharmacist

Case 5: Raminder Birk - Head chef in diet bay 

Raminder has worked in food service at Ealing Hospital since 1986. With the help of a catering assistant she has responsibility for the preparation of special diets.

Raminder's working day starts at 6.00am and ends at 4.00pm. First job of the day involves checking ward menu cards to identity any patients on special diets. The patients' food choices on the menu cards are checked against their food care plans to make sure the choice is suitable. For example, if a patient on a low fat diet has chosen rice pudding, Raminder must replace this with yoghurt, which is more suitable for that specific diet. Raminder is then ready to start the food preparation.

 
7.20 am onwards  

• breakfast is prepared. For patients on high protein diets extra protein is added and high protein drinks are included

• a list of the special diets for each ward is made

• dessert trolleys are taken from the chiller and modified to ensure they match up with the patients' care plans: patients on low fat diets are only permitted low fat desserts, those on high protein diets must have such food.

By about 8.20  

• Raminder starts preparing the low-fat and low-salt meals. Raminder's assistant modifies the desserts and soups making sure they comply with the special diets.

11.00am  

• The lunches are sent to the wards. Any special diets are already plated up, but the other meals are served on the wards from large dishes by catering assistants.

12.00 pm 

• Raminder sends any neutropaenic meals to the wards. These are sterilised meals for people who must have sterilised food to protect their fragile immune systems.

Raminder has her lunch at approximately 1.00pm, she then starts preparing the purees and soups for supper. Finally she completes the menu cards for patients with special dietary requirements, before finishing work at 4.00pm.

Raminder completed a one-year diet course at Waltham Forest College and every year she attends a two-day refresher course at hospitals in west London. In addition she has an annual update on hygiene, food and safety.

Approximately 30 people work in the kitchen at Ealing Hospital. Commenting on her job, Raminder says, "I am happy to work at Ealing Hospital. The dietitians who devise the special meals are very friendly. It is good to work here, the menu caters for many varied tastes - Asian, Halal, Afro-Caribbean and we often get compliments from patients about the food.'"