Beginning Tuesday, January 11, we will be moving to a non-select meal service for our COVID-19 units which will be delivered in batches. The reasons and benefits for these changes include:
- Culinary and Nutrition staffing shortages: We are continuously in the red at most of our locations and need to adjust how we manage our food prep, tray lines, and delivery.
- Supply shortages: Some menu options have become limited or unavailable.
- Better planning for delivery of trays on COVID-19 units: Unit staff will know when to expect the trays which will allow them to be better prepared to deliver meals at the designated times.
- Higher quality food: Knowing when the food will arrive will help staff move the trays into the rooms shortly after they are delivered on the unit, which will ensure the meals are warm and fresh for the patients. This will also help reduce requests to remake trays due to long sitting times.
Anticipated questions:
- How will this be communicated to our Nursing leadership?
Our regional directors will be meeting or have already met with Nursing leadership at each campus to discuss the changes in operations and determine the best batch delivery times for the COVID-19 units.
- What does non-select mean?
Every patient will receive the same planned meal for that day and time.
- Will there be a vegetarian option?
Yes.
- What if the patient is on a special diet?
We will accommodate any dietary requirements.
- What if the patient does not like what is being served?
Every unit has alternative meal options available on the unit. If there is a special circumstance we need to accommodate, the patient or nurse may contact the call center to request an alternative meal, but this is not encouraged on a regular basis.
Our current plan is to continue to provide our regular menu and room service options to all other inpatients who are not on a COVID-19 floor, however, this is subject to change if we see an additional decline in staffing in our Culinary and Nutrition areas.
Please feel free to reach out to Chrissie Richards, executive director of Culinary and Nutrition Care with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support as we navigate through this very challenging time.