Providing foodservice within a healthcare facility can be a large task. Responsible for not only feeding patients and residents who have specific dietary needs, healthcare institutions also often must prepare meals for staff and visitors as well. Here's how to overcome some of the challenges seen to ensure healthy meals are always being served efficiently. 

Challenges in the Workforce

Healthcare has not been immune to the staffing difficulties experienced by businesses across the country. Whether it's maintaining appropriate staffing levels, keeping current staff from burning out, or finding qualified new hires, the workforce in the industry is struggling. In fact, the healthcare industry, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has some of the highest numbers of staff openings. But unlike some other sectors, healthcare has had low quit rates. So how to keep current staff members content while trying to hire more help to lessen the load?

There are many ideas that can help. Offering mental wellness vacation days and incentivizing employees with gift cards are always welcome extras to boost morale. Offering an Employee Assistance Program is beneficial for mental health support and is especially recommended for those in the medical industry who may be suffering from stress and emotional/ physical exhaustion.

Another way to show solidarity and empathy to employees is to make them feel safe and protected as much as possible. This might be accomplished by how many times per month they get paid (it's less stressful to be paid every two weeks than it is to be paid once or twice a month) and also have meaningful employee of the month awards. But also, being a good listener to their concerns, and making them feel comfortable about coming forward with delicate matters, will engender a feeling of security.

Rising Adoption of Newer and Different Food Menus for Patients

As demand for foodservice in healthcare grows, so does the need for efficiency, which should extend to many different areas. When properly organized, healthcare foodservice operations will succeed in meeting the nutritional needs of patients, but the industry requires continuous innovation as there is a lot of room for improvement. 

Redesigning patient menus to be more streamlined is one such innovation that can bring significant savings to a hospital. Enviro–conscious ways of conducting food selection and storage can reduce exposure to inflationary food costs and lower the volume of food waste. And the removal of certain biological agents increases the shelf life of foods and the sustainability of purchases. 

Technological Advancements Enhancing Healthcare Foodservice

Technology is helping healthcare food service departments operate more efficiently and effectively. From ordering to waste reduction to customer service, having automation in foodservice equipment is improving operations. This includes automated inventory management, which reduces waste, spoilage, overstock, and theft. 

Foodservice Equipment To Help 

Utilizing powerful tools that prepare many different foods is another way to ensure patients receive sufficient nutrition. The Robot Coupe Blixer series allows patients and residents with swallowing issues to partake more fully in the menu offerings enjoyed by others. Even back-of-house organization and storage can be efficient. With Winholt products workflow is streamlined, increasing production and helping staff stay on track. 

Find out how Pace Reps can help your healthcare facility find the right foodservice equipment - click below to start our equipment assessment.