25th November 2025
Meet Zita McGarry Kelly - Assistant Catering Manager
Behind every meal served to our patients, visitors, and staff is a dedicated Catering team of over 100 people, working seamlessly across the hospital. From the kitchens to the wards and the restaurant, our Catering team ensures that every plate is not only nutritious but also thoughtfully prepared and personalised to support recovery and comfort. At Mater Private Network, food is more than just nourishment, it’s an essential part of healing and care.
Zita McGarry Kelly is one of four assistant catering managers at Mater Private Network in Dublin and has worked in the catering department for the last 11 years. Zita works alongside colleagues who prepare food for patients in our wards, who operates the mobile shopping cart throughout the hospital, and who cater for staff, patients, and visitors in our restaurant.
Can you tell us about your role as the catering assistant manager?
As assistant catering manager, I oversee patient food services, staff training and food safety compliance. I work closely with our chefs, kitchen porters, and ward-based catering staff to make sure everything runs smoothly, from meal preparation to delivery.
I also welcome and train new starters and students, introducing them to our standards, our pantries, and the importance of positive patient interaction. My background in hotel management has shaped my approach to service.
What does a typical day look like for you and your team?
My day usually starts before 7am. I begin by checking in with staff and making sure everyone is present and ready. We coordinate deliveries, brief the chefs, and prepare for breakfast service. Our kitchen brigade includes chefs across several sections—pastry, main courses, fish and wash-up—supported by sous chefs and kitchen porters.
Once meals are plated, we ensure they meet all dietary requirements and allergies before sending them to the wards. Our catering staff then prepare trays and serve patients directly. We also support internal events by providing catering. Throughout the day, I monitor food safety, fill staffing gaps, and help resolve any issues that may arise.
What kind of planning goes into preparing daily meals for patients, staff, and visitors?
We plan every meal with recovery in mind. Nutrition is central to healing, so we work closely with dietitians and review patient charts to accommodate allergies, medical conditions, and dietary preferences. We offer over 14 specialised menus, which renal, cardiac, gluten-free, vegan, halal, and paediatric options.
Each dish is carefully prepared and plated to meet individual specifications. We check temperatures, follow hygiene protocols, and complete all necessary documentation to ensure every meal is safe, nourishing, and of high quality.
Are there any small touches or practices your team does to help patients feel more at home?
Absolutely. We do everything we can to make patients feel comfortable and cared for. We use seasonal tray liners for occasions like Halloween and Christmas to add a festive touch. We celebrate birthdays with cakes, cards, and songs, and we’ve even supported a wedding for a patient who was being treated in our oncology department.
Many of our staff have been here for decades and know patients and their families well. Michelle, who works on the Elizabeth Ward, recently helped trial a new assistive listening device after noticing a patient struggling to hear. Jackie, who’s been with us for 39 years, visits patients daily with a trolley of newspapers, snacks, and toiletries. These small gestures make a big difference.
What makes you most proud of your team and the work you do here?
I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built. Many of our staff have been with us for years, and their commitment to excellence is clear in everything they do. I’m proud that we’ve created an environment where people feel supported and happy in their roles because that happiness translates directly into how they interact with patients.
We work as a team to solve problems, whether it’s a breakdown in equipment or a last-minute dietary request. That teamwork and dedication are what make our department truly special.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I really enjoy mentoring new staff and guiding students. I love showing them around, helping them understand our standards and introducing them to the pantries and patient interaction protocols. It’s rewarding to see them grow in confidence and become part of the team.
What aspect of your role do you find most rewarding?
For me, the most rewarding part is building relationships with patients and their families. When someone is in hospital for a long time, familiar faces and small acts of kindness can mean a lot. Whether it’s a warm meal, a thoughtful gesture, or simply taking the time to listen. These moments of connection are what make our work so meaningful.
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