HASTINGS — Did you hear the one about the patient who didn’t like his hospital lunch? The nurse says, “If we gave you nice food, you may not want to leave.”
Many times you hear people joking about the poor quality of hospital food. Mary Lanning Healthcare for many years has worked to create hospital cuisine that puts these comments to rest. Now that room service is available, patients and visitors are singing the praises of the MLH Nutrition Services Department.
Pat McCoy, Director of Nutrition Services, said everyone has been pleased with the new service.
“Patients have taken the time to write us about how much they enjoyed the food,” McCoy said. “They can’t believe it is hospital food, and they really enjoy the meals provided during their stay.”
As part of the new system, patients receive a menu and call in their choices. Meals are prepared as ordered. Cook-to-order breakfast is available all day. Visitors can choose from the menu and purchase trays, which are delivered for $5.
“Patients can order what they want to eat, when they want to eat,” McCoy said.
For patients on modified diets, portion sizes can be adjusted or smart substitutes can be recommended when ordering food. McCoy said comfort food favorites, including grilled steak, meatloaf and ovenfried chicken, are offered as daily specials. Grilled fish, freshly prepared salads and
cheeseburgers have been favorites.
In addition to a large increase in patient satisfaction, McCoy said her department has benefited from a dramatic decrease in food waste. “It’s a win, win situation,” she said.